Sorting out own Medication
As teenagers, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between childhood and adulthood, navigating the transition towards greater independence and responsibility. One significant aspect of this transition is taking charge of our own health, particularly when it comes to managing medication. Whether it's dealing with a long-term medical condition or facing a short-term illness, understanding and being responsible for your own medication is a crucial step toward self-care and well-being.
In this pivotal stage of life, you may encounter a wide array of medications, each with its own form and purpose – creams, tablets, injections, inhalers, solutions, and more. Learning to manage these medications effectively is not only essential for managing health conditions but also for developing valuable life skills. This responsibility empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and sets a foundation for a lifetime of good health management practices.
There are several resources out there that can you navigate managing your own medications:
- Eligibility for Free Prescriptions: In the UK, if you are under 16 or aged 16-18 and in full-time education, you are exempt from prescription charges. This exemption also applies if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant, or receive specific types of government support. You can check your eligibility for free prescriptions through the NHS website here.
- Managing Prescriptions: Understanding how to manage and renew prescriptions is important. You can set up repeat prescriptions, which allow you to get your regular medication without needing a new prescription from your GP each time. Pharmacies offer a repeat prescription service where they handle the reorder based on your GP's approval.
- Safety and Advice: It's crucial to avoid obtaining medications from unregulated sources, especially online, as they can be unsafe. The NHS and other health services provide advice on safely obtaining and taking prescribed medications. If you're dealing with specific conditions, like gender dysphoria, the NHS provides targeted support and medical care through specialized clinics, ensuring safe and regulated treatment paths.
For any prescription costs that aren't covered by exemptions, consider a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), which can help save money if you need multiple prescriptions over a period.
Each situation is unique, so if you have specific needs or conditions, it’s a good idea to speak directly with a healthcare professional who can provide tailored advice and support.
When should you worry?
Advice and Guidance
Need Information on your medications
Navigating information about your medication is crucial for safe and effective healthcare. Whether you're new to managing a prescription or need to understand changes in your medication regimen, several reliable sources can help you.
In the UK, the NHS website is a primary resource where you can check eligibility for free prescriptions, understand your medication, and learn how to manage repeat prescriptions. Pharmacies and healthcare providers also offer advice and services, ensuring you get the right medication and understand how to use it safely.
Websites like Patient.info provide extensive articles on managing prescriptions, and the NHS app can streamline managing and ordering your medications. Always ensure to obtain your prescriptions from regulated sources to avoid the risks associated with unregulated medications. For extensive information and guidance on medications, check out Medicines for Children.
Types of medications medications
Medications can be broadly categorised into prescription medicines, which require a doctor’s approval, and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, which can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies and supermarkets. It is essential to take medications correctly to ensure they work effectively and safely.
- Tablets and Capsules – These should be swallowed whole with water. Some tablets may need to be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation, while others should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. Always follow the instructions on the label or the leaflet inside the packaging.
- Liquid Medicines (Syrups and Suspensions) – These are often used if swallowing tablets is difficult. A medicine spoon or syringe should be used to measure the correct dose. It is important to shake suspensions before use to mix the ingredients properly.
- Inhalers – Commonly used for conditions like asthma, inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs. They should be used as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist. Some inhalers require a spacer device for better delivery.
- Creams, Gels, and Ointments – These are applied to the skin to treat conditions such as eczema, acne, or infections. Hands should be washed before and after application, and the medicine should only be used on the affected area.
- Eye Drops and Ear Drops – These are used to treat infections, allergies, or dryness. When applying, tilt the head back (for eye drops) or to the side (for ear drops) and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
- Painkillers – Paracetamol and ibuprofen are common pain relief medicines. They should be taken only as directed, as overdosing can be dangerous. Always check the recommended dose and avoid taking multiple medicines containing the same active ingredient.
- Antibiotics – These are only effective against bacterial infections and should be taken exactly as prescribed. The full course should be completed even if symptoms improve to prevent antibiotic resistance.
General Tips for Taking Medications Safely
- Always read the patient information leaflet provided with the medicine.
- Take the correct dose at the right time.
- Do not share prescription medicines with others.
- Store medicines properly, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
- Ask a pharmacist or GP if unsure about how to take a medicine.
For accurate and up-to-date information, the NHS website and your local pharmacist can provide reliable guidance on medicines and their proper use.
Common Misconceptions About Taking Medication
There are a lot of myths about taking medication, and believing them could mean you don’t get the full benefits or, worse, put yourself at risk. Here are some common misunderstandings and the truth behind them:
- “If I feel better, I can stop taking my antibiotics”
Once you start feeling better, you might think you don’t need to take the rest of your antibiotics. But stopping early can allow bacteria to survive and become resistant, making it harder to treat infections in the future. Always finish the full course, even if you feel fine. - “Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are completely safe, so I can take as much as I need”
Just because you can buy medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen without a prescription doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Taking too much can cause serious health problems, like liver or kidney damage. Always stick to the recommended dose. - “Mixing medicines is fine as long as they treat different symptoms”
Some medicines contain the same ingredients, meaning you could accidentally take too much of one without realising it. For example, some cold and flu remedies already have paracetamol in them—so if you take extra paracetamol on top, you could overdose. Always check the labels or ask a pharmacist before mixing medicines. - “Prescription medicines are stronger than OTC medicines, so I should save leftover ones for later”
You might think keeping extra antibiotics or painkillers is a good idea for future illnesses, but taking leftover medication without medical advice can be harmful. It might not be the right treatment for your new symptoms, or the medicine could be expired and unsafe. - “Natural or herbal remedies are always safer than regular medicines”
Just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Some herbal supplements can interact with prescription or OTC medicines, making them less effective or causing unexpected side effects. Always check with a healthcare professional before mixing treatments. - “If my friend’s medication helped them, it will help me too”
Everyone’s body is different, and prescription medicines are given based on your personal health needs. Taking someone else’s medicine could be dangerous or completely ineffective for you. - “More medicine means quicker recovery”
Taking more than the recommended dose won’t make you better faster—it can actually make you really sick. Overdosing can cause serious side effects like poisoning, allergic reactions, or damage to your organs. Always stick to the correct dose. - “It’s fine to drink alcohol while taking medication”
Some medicines don’t mix well with alcohol and can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or even liver damage. If you’re on medication, always check the label or ask a pharmacist before drinking alcohol.
How to Stay Safe with Medication
- Always read the patient information leaflet before taking any medicine.
- Follow the dosage instructions exactly—don’t take more than recommended.
- Ask a pharmacist or GP before mixing medicines.
- Never share prescription medication with anyone.
- If you’re not sure about anything, talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or check www.nhs.uk for accurate advice.
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