Importance Of Patient Information Leaflet

The information enclosed in my medication box is overwhelming, what do I do? Introduction Ever wondered why you see the lengthy
information enclosed in a prescribed or Over The
Counter (OTC) medication packaging? The enclosed document is known as the patient
information leaflet (PIL). Some patients tell me that
reading this information discourages them from
taking their medication as the information is scary;
for instance the listed possible side effects or
adverse drug reaction i.e. what could happen to them if they took the medication or how their
body may react to it. Several studies have been conducted to show
whether PIL are beneficial to aid medication
compliance or to discourage it. I will be talking
about patient information leaflet, why they are
important and the purpose for it. What is Patient Information Leaflet? A patient information leaflet can be defined as a
technical document included in every medicine
package to offer written information about the
medication and the medicinal ingredient(s) it
contains. Patient information leaflets (PILs) are provided by
the manufacturer; they usually follow a standard
template consisting of the same types of
information for every medication. The main
purpose for PIL is to inform patients about their
medication regarding its administration, precautions and potential side effects/adverse
effects. Some of the information may be a bit daunting; it
is worthwhile having a discussion with your
pharmacist so you can understand the important
information you need to know. The PIL usually
contains the following information: Ingredients, uses, dosage and contraindications. Possible side effects- very common, common, rare, very rare. Interactions: I nteractions between your medication and other medicines or with food as
well Special warnings- For instance an advise that the medication could make you feel drowsy,
assuming you are a driver you would not want to
take the medication when you are drowsy, as this
could lead to road traffic accidents.