Taking medication safely is just as important as taking it in the first place, as the wrong dose, duplicate medicines or misunderstood instructions can turn treatment into a health risk.

This is according to Clinical Pharmacist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Michelle John, who is urging patients to take greater care in understanding what they are taking and how it should be used.

“So in preventing medication errors, you want to ensure that the patient receives the right medication at the right time with the right dose for the right reason,” John said.

She is particularly urging patients who consult multiple doctors to disclose all the medications they are currently taking.

John said this can help doctors avoid prescribing duplicate medications or doses that could result in an overdose.

“They should tell the doctors first the medications they're [taking] because it's imperative that the doctors don't give them duplication, give them overdose, which can cause toxicity or adverse drug effects,” she said.

John is also advising patients to check their medication labels before taking their doses.

Patients should confirm the name of the drug, the dosage, how it should be taken and its expiration date.

“Patients should look for the name of the drug, the dose, how it should be taken, the expiration date, the date they are taking it, and pharmacists on the whole are also required to advise the patient on precautionary steps,” she said.

John said patients should also ask their pharmacist or doctor for clarification if they are unsure about a medication or how it should be taken.