Getting help to take medicines safely

Start with what you can do and what is difficult

Ask your pharmacist, GP practice or prescriber for a medicines support assessment. Explain problems with labels, opening packets, remembering, taste, swallowing or collecting prescriptions. Say what you want to manage yourself. Bring an up-to-date medicines list, including bought medicines and supplements. For adults receiving social care, support should be agreed with the person and recorded in their care plan. Having a learning disability does not mean someone else must take over.

Dosette boxes and blister packs

A dosette box divides tablets into compartments for different days or times. Similar pharmacy-filled packs may be called monitored dosage systems, blister packs or dose administration aids. Ask the pharmacist to assess whether one would help you use your actual medicines safely. Some medicines cannot go in them, and a pack can still be hard to open or understand. They are not automatically provided or always free. Ask what support can be offered and whether there is a charge.

Other ways to make medicines easier

Ask about clearer or large-print labels, accessible instructions, easier packaging, alarms or a reminder from someone you choose. The pharmacist can check whether these are suitable. Agree how you will know whether a medicine has already been taken. If you need help opening packets or using devices, ask staff to demonstrate and let you practise. An aid should support independence and be reviewed if it does not work.

Ask about a different form of medicine

A pharmacist may suggest discussing a liquid, a tablet that dissolves or another suitable form with the prescriber. Do not switch forms, stop treatment, crush a tablet or open a capsule on your own. Some changes alter how the medicine works. Do not assume the same amount of a different liquid contains the same dose. Get a clear new label and instructions whenever the prescription changes.

Swallowing difficulty needs its own plan

A liquid medicine is not automatically safer than a tablet: some people cannot safely swallow thin liquids. Tell the pharmacist about coughing, choking, food or drink difficulties, thickened drinks or a feeding tube. Ask for the GP and speech and language therapist to be involved where needed. Follow the individual swallowing plan. Do not mix medicines with food or thickener, or put them through a tube, without medicine-specific professional advice.

Check ingredients and measure liquids correctly

Different brands, strengths and forms can contain different ingredients, including sugars, sweeteners, alcohol or allergens. Tell the pharmacist about allergies, intolerances, dietary needs and beliefs. Ask them to check the product actually supplied. For liquids, ask them to show you the correct measuring device, such as an oral syringe, and how to use it safely with your swallowing needs. Follow the dispensing label and product instructions. Do not measure medicine with a kitchen teaspoon.

Agree who does each support task

Decide who orders, collects, reminds, gives and records medicines, and what happens if that person is unavailable. Support workers need appropriate training and instructions for their agreed role. Make sure changes after hospital visits reach the GP, pharmacy and relevant supporters. Keep the current medicine information available, respect privacy and check storage instructions. This guide’s worksheet prepares a conversation; it is not a prescription or medicine administration record.

Respect consent and understand refusal

Ask what is wrong if someone does not want a medicine: pain, taste, fear or side effects may need attention. Support the person to understand and decide. A relative or worker cannot automatically decide for an adult. Do not hide medicines in food or drink because it is convenient. For an adult, covert administration requires a lawful, documented process where the person lacks capacity for that decision, with a medicine-specific best-interests decision, prescriber authorisation, pharmacist advice and regular review. It must be the least restrictive option.

Plan repeat supplies and changes

Ask the pharmacy how early to request repeat medicines and whether collection or delivery support is available. Check any cost and what happens at weekends or when you are away. If packaging, a brand or the instructions look different, ask before guessing. If an essential medicine is running out, contact the pharmacy or GP promptly; NHS 111 can help when urgent help is needed and the usual service is unavailable.

Know what to do when something goes wrong

Ask the pharmacist or prescriber for medicine-specific advice about a missed dose; do not double up on your own. If a wrong or extra medicine has been taken, get medical advice immediately. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or suspected poisoning; call 111 immediately if you are unsure whether what was taken is harmful. Do not wait for symptoms. Keep the medicine packaging to show clinicians. Report unwanted effects and arrange a review if support keeps failing.

Help with your medicines

What you can do next

More useful links