How to take medicines safely

Name: How to take medicines safely
Creator: Consumer Health

Simple, general steps that can help you take your medicines correctly and avoid common mistakes — and where to report a side effect.

Updated August 2026
5 min read
Clinical review pending
2 sources

At a glance

Take medicines as directed and read the patient information leaflet that comes with them.
A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines, including possible interactions.
Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.

On this page (4 sections)

Introduction

Medicines work best when they are taken correctly. These are general tips only — the specific advice for your medicine is on its label and in the patient information leaflet, and a pharmacist or your prescriber can help with any questions [1].

Follow the instructions

Take your medicine exactly as directed, and read the patient information leaflet that comes with it, which explains how to take it and possible side effects [1]. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine without first speaking to a healthcare professional, even if you feel better.

Check before you combine

Some medicines — including those you can buy without a prescription, and some supplements — can affect how other medicines work. A pharmacist can check for possible interactions and advise you [1]. Keep medicines stored safely and out of the reach of children.

Reporting a side effect

If you think you have had a side effect from a medicine, you can report it to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) through the Yellow Card scheme, which helps monitor the safety of medicines in the UK [2]. If you feel seriously unwell, seek medical help, and call 999 in an emergency.

Related conditions

Health condition

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) usually has no symptoms, but over time it raises the risk of serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. It can often be lowered with lifestyle changes and, where needed, medicine.

Health condition

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood becomes too high. It can often be managed with changes to diet and activity, and with medicine where needed.

Sources

NHS. Medicines A to Z (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
MHRA. Yellow Card scheme — report a suspected side effect (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.

About this page

Written by: Consumer Health editorial team
Medical review: Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
Last updated: August 2026
Next review due: August 2027

Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.

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