Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, through its official account on the “Instagram” website, warned against breaking the pill before consulting the pharmacist. Here are some tips to keep in mind before taking this step.
What is the most prominent?
First, you need to make sure that there is a mark in the middle of the pill. It reflects where you can break the pill into two equal halves. Thus, you will ensure that the active substance in the medicine is distributed evenly.
And if the doctor asked you to break the pill, be sure to break it immediately before use.
And the Saudi Food and Drug Authority warned against breaking all pills and then storing them, which may affect the effectiveness and quality of the drug.
It remains necessary to read the information leaflet on the medicine to make sure that the pill can be broken or not.
Medications, whether they can be obtained with a prescription or without a prescription, require caution when used.
Earlier, the Omani Ministry of Health, through its official account on the “Instagram” website, published some advice that you should take into account.
What not to do:
- Changing medication doses or schedules without consulting your doctor
- Use of a medication that was prescribed to someone else
- Crush or break pills or capsules unless directed by a doctor
- Use of medication that has expired
what should be done:
- Take the medication as directed by your doctor and pharmacist
- Tell your doctor about all the natural and pharmaceutical preparations that you take
- Keep your prescriptions in one place, so it’s easy to keep track of what you’re taking
- Write the treatment, method of use and dose on the package
And in the event that you have a cupboard full of medicines at home, and you are not sure which of these types has expired and must be disposed of, the Gulf Health Council revealed, through its official account on the “Instagram” website, the specified period of validity for each type of medicine after opening it.
The Gulf Health Council stated that the validity of the tablets and capsules in the original packaging is mentioned on the packaging, but its validity in the medicine boxes extends for two months.
The validity of the liquid or drink is 6 months from the date of opening, unless less than that is recommended, while the validity of the ointment or cream ranges between 3 and 6 months.
How can medicines be stored properly?
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Check the expiry date of the medicine
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Keep the medicine in its original packaging
Mostly kept in its original packaging in a cool dry place, away from sunlight. It is very important that you check the storage instructions in the attached leaflet.
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below 25°C
Some medicines need to be stored in the refrigerator (below 25°C), unless the required cooling is between 2°C and 8°C.
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Commitment to proper storage places
Medicines are exposed during storage in the bathroom cabinet or car to high temperatures and humidity, which affects their effectiveness and may be destroyed before the expiration date.
