Start with the patient information leaflet that came in the box. If you have lost it, you can read the same leaflet online on the electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). The NHS Medicines A to Z explains common medicines in plainer language. For anything you are unsure about, especially taking medicines together, ask a pharmacist. You can report a suspected side effect to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine just because of something you read online. Talk to a pharmacist or your GP first.

Step by step

  1. Read the leaflet that came with your medicine.
  2. Look the medicine up on the NHS Medicines A to Z for a plain-English summary.
  3. Find the full leaflet on emc if you have lost yours or want the latest version.
  4. Write down any side effects you notice, when they started and how bad they are.
  5. Ask a pharmacist about side effects or about mixing medicines, supplements or alcohol.
  6. Report a suspected side effect through the Yellow Card scheme.

1. The patient information leaflet

Every medicine comes with a leaflet. It tells you what the medicine is for, how to take it, the possible side effects and what else to avoid. The dose your prescriber chose is usually on the pharmacy label on the box.

Keep the leaflet while you are taking the medicine. Read it again if you notice something new.

2. The NHS Medicines A to Z

The NHS Medicines A to Z lists many common medicines alphabetically, by their general name, often with a brand name alongside. Each page explains how the medicine works, how and when to take it, and possible side effects, with answers to common questions.

Many pages also have a section on taking the medicine with other medicines, herbal remedies, food and drink. For example, the statins page covers certain antibiotics, St John’s wort and grapefruit.

Not every medicine is listed. If yours is missing, use emc or ask a pharmacist.

3. The electronic Medicines Compendium (emc)

The electronic Medicines Compendium is a website with information on medicines licensed in the UK. You do not need to register to search it.

It holds two main documents for each medicine:

  • the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), the same leaflet you get in the box, written for patients
  • the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), a more technical document for health professionals

Drug companies write these documents and the medicines regulator checks and approves them. Companies are expected to update emc within 10 days of a change being approved.

Search for your medicine by name. Check that the strength and form (tablet, liquid, inhaler) match what is on your label.

For people who are blind or partially sighted, emc offers accessible leaflets for some medicines. Large print, Braille and audio versions may be available through the RNIB.

4. Checking interactions

Medicines can affect each other. So can herbal remedies, supplements, some foods and alcohol.

  • Check the “taking with other medicines” part of the leaflet or the NHS page.
  • Tell your pharmacist and GP about everything you take, including things you buy, such as herbal remedies.
  • Ask before adding a new medicine you have bought.

The NHS gives examples. Some antibiotics, such as metronidazole, should not be mixed with alcohol at all. Some can make the combined contraceptive pill less effective.

Pharmacists and doctors check interactions using professional references such as the British National Formulary (BNF), which NICE publishes online for people in the UK. It is written for health professionals, so a pharmacist is the best person to check a full list of your medicines together. They can also take your health history into account, which a website cannot.

5. Ask a pharmacist

Pharmacists can answer questions and worries about side effects and explain how to take your medicine. You do not usually need an appointment. If you want to talk away from the counter, ask whether you can speak in the consultation room.

If you have just started a new medicine for certain long-term conditions in England, ask about the free New Medicine Service. You get 3 appointments with the pharmacist over several weeks, in person or by phone, to talk about how it is going.

Take unwanted or out-of-date medicines back to a pharmacy. Do not put them in the bin or flush them away.

6. Report a side effect: the Yellow Card scheme

The Yellow Card scheme, run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), collects reports of suspected side effects. Anyone can report, including on behalf of someone you care for. You do not need to be sure the medicine caused the problem. A suspicion is enough.

You can report:

  • suspected side effects from any medicine, including vaccines and herbal remedies
  • fake medicines, or medicines that seem faulty
  • problems with medical devices

How to report:

  • online at the Yellow Card website
  • with the free Yellow Card app
  • by phone on 0800 731 6789 (side effects only), if you can’t report online

Some newer medicines have a black triangle symbol on the leaflet. This means they are being closely monitored. It does not mean they are unsafe, and reports about them are especially useful.

Reporting does not replace getting medical advice. If you feel unwell, get help first.

Taking several medicines (polypharmacy)

“Polypharmacy” simply means taking several medicines at the same time. It is common, especially as people get older or live with more than one long-term condition. It is not a problem in itself, but the more medicines you take, the more chances there are for side effects and for medicines to affect each other.

Dizziness and falls: a hidden risk

The NHS lists side effects of some medicines as one of the causes of falls. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or unsteady, especially after starting or changing a medicine, it may be a sign that a medicine, or a combination, does not suit you.

Do not stop the medicine yourself. Tell your GP practice or a pharmacist, who can check whether a medicine could be affecting your balance.

Ask for a review of all your medicines

If you are worried that you take too many medicines, ask your GP practice for a review of all of them. Practices may call this a structured medication review. It may be done by a GP, a pharmacist or another health professional working with your practice.

A review is a chance to:

  • check each medicine is still needed and still working
  • reduce side effects and medicines that do not mix well
  • stop medicines you no longer need, so less goes to waste
  • say what you think about your treatment and ask questions

If you take several medicines, ask how often they should be reviewed. For more on reviews and help with packs and reminders, see pill organisers and medicine reminders and caring for an older parent at home.

Don’t leave with questions

At any appointment where a medicine is started or changed, ask:

  • what is this medicine for, and why do I need it?
  • how and when should I take it, and for how long?
  • what side effects should I look out for, and what should I do if I get them?
  • does it mix safely with my other medicines?

Write down the answers, or ask someone to come with you and take notes. If you think of a question later, a pharmacist can help.

Keeping track

If you take several medicines, a simple list helps. Note each medicine, the dose, when you take it and what it is for. Take the list to appointments.

If remembering doses is hard, see the guide to pill organisers and medicine reminders. It covers pill boxes, phone reminder apps and when a pharmacy may supply medicines in a blister pack. Ask your pharmacist first whether your medicines are suitable for one.

Keep a simple health diary

Your body can show how your medicines are working. If your GP practice or pharmacist has asked you to check readings at home, write them down with the date and time. Depending on your medicines, that might be your:

Add a line each day on how you feel, and note anything new, such as dizziness, tiredness or a rash. Take the diary to your next appointment or medicines review. Follow any targets your care team gave you, and ask them what readings should make you get in touch.

You can see your medicines in your GP record and order repeats through the NHS App. See ordering repeat prescriptions.

When to get help

  • Call 999 or go to A&E if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, very fast or difficult breathing, a tight throat or trouble swallowing, blue, grey or pale skin or lips, sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness, or someone faints and cannot be woken. Use an adrenaline auto-injector first if you have one.
  • Call 999 if someone has fallen and may have hurt their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up.
  • Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you think you are having a serious side effect, or you have taken too much of a medicine, and it is not an emergency. Your medicine’s leaflet or NHS page may list specific warning signs.
  • Contact your GP practice if side effects are bothering you, are not going away, or you want to talk about changing or stopping a medicine.
  • Ask a pharmacist about mild side effects, how to take a medicine, or whether two medicines are safe together.

You can also use the symptom checker guide or see which NHS service to use.

Next steps