Health Navigator NZ

Medications

Taking your medications correctly and understanding what, why and how they work is one of the key steps you can take to keep well. It is not always easy though.

If you are on 5 or more medicines a day, this can get very confusing! Make sure you talk with your doctor/nurse or pharmacist if you have any questions or would like help with taking your medicines at the right time each day.

For the most common medications we aim to eventually have 3 levels of information:

• Level 1: brief, easy to read factsheets for those that just want a little information - approx A5 size
• Level 2: standard medication information sheets - approx 2 pages long
• Level 3: detailed medication information - such as Medsafe consumer information sheets or prescriber datasheets

Why do I have to take so many tablets?

One of the key things to remember is when you don't know or understand something about your medications, ASK your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

They are there to help you and it is important to keep taking your medication as prescribed. Don't just stop taking your tablets, insulin or inhalers because of something someone says or some vague symptom.

Find out what is right for you by checking with your healthcare team and making any changes together.

• Ask Me 3 - Three useful questions to ask at every health visit
• 12 tips for patients to reduce medication errors - relevant for all regions
• Parents information about medication safety for children
  

  ASK ME THREE 1. What is my main problem? 2. What do I need to do? 3. Why is it important for me to do this?

• Factsheet - what you can do to avoid medication errors (Institue of Medicine)
• Having trouble taking your tablets? Talk to your doctor or nurse about blister packaging.

Other Useful Websites

• Medsafe - Information about safe use of medications and regulations for New Zealand health sector
• Consumer Medicine Information - (PHARMAC) database, search for a medication
• Prescriber Datasheets - (PHARMAC) more detailed information about medications
• Special authority Forms

• PHARMAC Online - order PHARMAC information and resources
• Te Whaioranga - means optimal wellness. New site from PHARMAC to support working more effectively with whanau
• Safer Rx - website from Waitemata DHB to support safer use of high risk medications

Further Information

• Preventing Medication Errors - Quality Chasm Series Report Brief (Institute of Medicine)
• Interventions for enhancing medication adherence - (Cochrane Review, 2007)
• Medication Adherence - Evidence for Action (World Health Organisation, 2003)