Reading the fine print on medicine labels can be daunting, especially when you or someone you love is in pain. Here’s a guide to help you make sense of it all. Be sure to compare labels if you’re taking more than one over-the-counter medication at a time. Taking multiple medicines with the same active ingredient can be harmful.
1. MEDICINAL INGREDIENT
The parts of the medicine that make it work.
2. USES
Describes the symptoms that the medicine relieves.
3. CAUTIONS AND/OR WARNINGS
Safety information including side effects, the questions you should ask a doctor before taking the medicine, and which medicines to avoid using at the same time.
4. DIRECTIONS
Indicates the amount or dose of medicine to take, how often to take it, and how much you can take in one day.
5. OTHER INFORMATION
How to store the medicine.
The expiration date: It is important to not use medicines which are beyond their expiry date.
6. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Call the company if you have questions about a specific medicine.
7. NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS
Ingredients not intended to relieve your symptoms (e.g., preservatives, flavourings).
