Understand labels and instructions before buying prescription medication

Before buying over-the-counter or prescription medication, it's important that you know how to read the instructions. It's also important to know if there's something you're allergic to in the medication. Most medicines come with a leaflet inside the packaging that explains what the medicine is intended for and tells you what side-effects there may be, along with other important information.

Reading the label or leaflet is the most important part of taking care of yourself or your family when using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This is especially true because you probably take OTC medicines without seeing a doctor first. Sometimes changes are made to the products you use all the time, so make sure you check the label.

If you read the label or leaflet and still have questions, talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or another healthcare professional.