To be effective, medicines must be taken as directed. Some medicines can be affected by food, drink or the time of day you take them. The Medicines Optimisation Team can help you get the best from your medication and minimise any side effects.
Medicines come in many different forms e.g. tablets, capsules, liquids, inhalers, drops, patches, creams, ointments, lotions, pessaries, suppositories and injections. These can include prescribed medicines, or those purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket. Prescribed medicines should only be used by the named individual they are prescribed for, and must not be shared with others.
Some medicines are taken by mouth, while others are applied to the body. Injections can be given by the patient themselves or a healthcare professional may administer these to the patient.
Medicines also include vitamins, minerals, herbal and homeopathic products. These are called complementary medicines, and are often taken in addition to prescribed medicines.
