Medicines can manage health concerns and contribute to a healthier existence. However, if used improperly, medications may lead to significant injuries or death. Reading a medicine strip is vital for ensuring the safe and effective utilization of the drug. Here is a compilation of some important aspects one should consider before initiating any medication.
1. Brand name
- The most noticeable name on the strip, often in a bigger font size.
- Example: Dolo 650 is the brand name
2. Active ingredients
- Identify a smaller font, often positioned right above or near the brand name.
- It indicates the scientific or chemical name of the active ingredient(s) in the pharmaceutical product.
- Example: For DOLO 650, the active ingredient is Paracetamol.
(Visual created using ChatGPT and DALL·E by OpenAI.)
3. Strength /Dosage
- It indicates the amount of the active ingredient in each tablet or capsule, expressed in milligrams (mg), grams (g), or international units (IU). It will often be next to the generic name or brand name.
- Example: DOLO 650 contains 650 mg of Paracetamol.
4. Formulation
- The strip will indicate the form of the medicine, such as tablets, capsules, or soft gel capsules.
5. Expiry date
- Look for “EXP,” “Expiry Date,” “Expires On,” or a similar abbreviation, often followed by a month and year (e.g., “EXP 12/26” meaning December 2026).
- It’s crucial never to consume expired medication.
6. Warning
- Search for specific cautionary statements.
- These can feature warnings about potential side effects, interactions with other medications, scenarios where the drug should be avoided, or special groups (e.g., pregnant women and children).
7. Red line/ Rx symbol
- A red line on a medicine strip, often accompanied by an “Rx” symbol, is commonly found in countries such as India.
- It signifies that the medicine is a prescription-only
- It means the medicine should NOT be sold without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner, and it should NOT be consumed without medical supervision.
8. Storage instructions
- The correct storage of medications is very important
- Medicines can lose their effectiveness if exposed to heat, light, moisture, or air.
- Expired or improperly stored drugs can degrade into harmful substances.
- Always look for storage instructions at the back of the pack.
- Look for phrases like “Store in a cool, dry place,” “Protect from light,” “Do not refrigerate,” or specific temperature ranges.
9. Other things written
- Manufacturing date- It’s usually printed alongside the expiry date and the batch number. Search for abbreviations like “Mfg. Date,” “Mfd. Date,” “Date of Mfg.,” or “Manufacturing Date.”
- Batch number- A unique code is assigned to a specific quantity of medicine produced together in a single manufacturing run under uniform conditions. Search for abbreviations like “Batch No.,” “B. No.,” “Lot No.,” or simply “Batch.”.
- Maximum retail price (MRP)-The highest price at which the medicine can be sold to the consumer. It is usually printed on the strip, sometimes near the expiry date or batch number.
10. Additional important points to keep in mind
- Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist the name of the medicine, active ingredient, indication, expiry date, and side effects or warnings.
- Ask your doctor for the dose, how much you should take, and when.
- Never skip taking prescription medicine.
- Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping medication.
- Don’t use medicine in the dark where you can’t see what you are taking.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the proper disposal of any unused medications.
