ONE patient was told to take one capsule six times daily. Instead, she took all six in one go. Another patient said she always doubles the dose - presumably for good measure - irrespective of the directions from her pharmacist.
These might seem extreme examples, but according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, they are not. Up to half of all patients fail to take their medicines properly and hardly any ask their doctor questions about their prescriptions. For this reason, the association, with the health promotion unit in the Department of Health, has published a booklet, Knowledge is the Best Medicine, designed to encourage the correct use of medicines.
Studies reveal enormous ignorance among patients in this area. How big, for example, is the standard 5 ml measure? Only 15 per cent of patients know the correct answer; most people use a domestic teaspoon, which is too small, or a tablespoon, which is too large.
The interpretation of an instruction such as "take this medicine before meals" could range from one hour before a meal to 15 minutes after, according to the association. Different medicines demand different regimes, so it is important to check with a doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
Only 13 per cent of patients who are told to "take one capsule four times a day" do so correctly every six hours, including through the night.
Mr Alastair White, president of the association, says the aim of the booklet, which is available free from GP surgeries and pharmacies, is to help patients to use medicines wisely and correctly.
"A lot of patients don't understand why it is important that they finish a course of antibiotics. People also continue to store their medicines in the bathroom, instead of in a cool, dry place."
Another false economy was the use of medicines which have passed their sell by date, or which have been opened for a long period. Eye ointments and contact lens fluids, for example, should be discarded within weeks of opening to avoid the risk of infection.
The booklet also advises patients not to expect a prescription every time they visit their doctor.
"This is an important message to get across at a time when a lot of patients do expect a prescription, regardless of their complaint. We are increasingly conscious of the need to value medicines and to use them wisely, so we get the best from their healing properties," says Mr White.
