How to Read Medicine Labels and Leaflets
Medicine labels hold the information you need to use a product safely. Here is how to read them, section by section, and what to check before you start.
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist About Your Medicines
A short conversation with a pharmacist can help you use medicines safely and with confidence. Here are useful questions to ask, and what to bring with you.
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Pharmacists are experts in medicines, and a few minutes of conversation when you collect a prescription or choose a non-prescription product can make a real difference to how safely and confidently you use it. Yet many people leave the counter with unanswered questions, simply because they were not sure what to ask. The questions below are a useful starting point. You do not need to ask all of them every time; choose the ones that matter to you.
Before you ask: bring the full picture
A pharmacist can give more useful answers when they know what else you take. Keep an up-to-date list of:
- All prescription medicines, including creams, inhalers, eye drops and injections
- Non-prescription medicines you use, even occasionally
- Vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies and other supplements
- Any allergies or past reactions to medicines
- Long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney or liver problems
Keeping this list on your phone or on a card in your wallet makes it easy to share. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that medicines can interact with other medicines, foods, drinks and supplements, so a complete list helps the pharmacist spot possible problems. It also helps to write your questions down before you visit, and to keep the patient information leaflet to read again at home.
Questions about the medicine itself
- What is this medicine for? Knowing why you are using something helps you use it correctly and notice if it is not working as expected.
- How and when should I take it? Ask the pharmacist to go through the directions on the label with you, including the time of day and whether it should be taken with food.
- How long should I use it? Some medicines are used for a set number of days, others for longer. Ask whether you should complete the course or stop when you feel better.
- How will I know if it is working? And what should you do if it does not seem to help?
For help with the wording on packaging, see our guide on how to read medicine labels.
Questions about what to avoid
- Are there foods or drinks I should avoid? Some medicines are affected by certain foods or drinks, such as grapefruit juice or dairy products.
- Is it safe to drink alcohol? Alcohol can interact with a number of medicines.
- Can I take it with my other medicines? This includes non-prescription products, which may contain ingredients that overlap or interact with what you already take.
- What about my vitamins or herbal products? Supplements can interact with medicines too, so mention them even if they seem harmless.
- Could it affect driving or work? Some medicines can cause drowsiness or affect concentration.
Side effects, storage and missed doses
- What side effects might I notice? Ask which ones are common and usually mild, and which mean you should seek medical advice.
- How should I store it? Some medicines need to be kept in a fridge, while others must be kept away from heat and moisture, an important point in Bahrain's climate. Our guide to storing medicines safely at home has more tips.
- What should I do if I miss a dose? The answer differs from one medicine to another, so ask the pharmacist and check the leaflet rather than guessing.
When to get medical help
Contact a doctor promptly if your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected, or if you notice a new rash or a side effect that worries you. Seek urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older relatives
Always tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medicines and supplements are not suitable at these times, and the FDA advises talking with a healthcare provider before taking any medicines, vitamins or supplements during pregnancy. If a medicine is for a child, mention the child's age and, if you know it, their weight, and ask how to measure each dose accurately with the device provided. When buying for an older relative, bring their list of medicines too, as older adults often take several medicines at once.
Finally, if anything is unclear, ask for it to be explained again. Repeating the key instructions back in your own words is a simple way to check you have understood.
The team at AJ Pharmacy is happy to answer your questions about medicines and everyday health products. Ask us in store, call +973 3366 8480 or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Sources and further reading
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always read the label and speak with a pharmacist or doctor about your own situation. In an emergency, call 999.
