How to read your prescription and medicine labels

Medicine only works when it is taken correctly. Many problems come down to a label that was never properly explained.

Common abbreviations

• OD — once a day
• BD — twice a day
• TDS or TID — three times a day
• QID — four times a day
• PRN — only when needed
• PO — by mouth
• mg and ml — milligrams (weight of medicine) and millilitres (volume of liquid)

Digital prescriptions increasingly spell these out in full, which removes a lot of guesswork.

What the label should tell you

A dispensed medicine label should carry your name, the medicine name and strength, how much to take, how often, how long for, and the expiry date. If any of that is missing or unclear, ask the pharmacist before you leave the counter.

Questions worth asking at the pharmacy

• What is this medicine for, and how will I know it is working?
• Should I take it with food, or on an empty stomach?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Are there side effects I should expect, and which ones mean I should stop and call?
• Can I take it with my other medicines, supplements or herbal remedies?
• Is it safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Dosing children safely

Children are dosed by weight, not age, for many medicines. Use the syringe or measuring cup supplied, never a kitchen spoon, which varies in size. Write down the time of each dose if several people are caring for the child, so a dose is not given twice.

Storing medicines properly

• Keep medicines in their original packaging so the instructions and expiry stay with them.
• Store away from heat, direct sunlight and damp. A bathroom shelf is usually a poor choice.
• Some medicines, including certain insulins, need refrigeration. Ask when collecting them.
• Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
• Check expiry dates and return expired medicines to a pharmacy rather than throwing them away.

Repeat prescriptions for long-term conditions

If you take medicine daily for a condition such as hypertension, diabetes or asthma, plan refills before you run out. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common reasons these conditions get worse. A pharmacy that holds your record can flag when a refill is due.