Medicines work best when they are taken as intended, and most problems come from simple misunderstandings rather than from the medicine itself.
Before leaving the consultation, it is reasonable to ask what the medicine is for, how and when to take it, how long to continue it, what to do if you miss a dose, what side effects to expect, and whether it interacts with anything else you take.
Complete the course of any medicine your doctor tells you to complete, even if you feel better earlier. Do not share prescribed medicine with family members, and do not restart old prescriptions for new symptoms.
Keep medicines out of reach of children, store them as instructed, and check expiry dates. Bring your current medicines, or a photograph of them, to every appointment.
General health information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For advice about your own situation, please speak to a healthcare professional.
