The FAMHP developed the campaign A medicine is not a sweet – 12 tips on how to use medicines properly to inform patients on how to use medicines properly. You can also find the 12 tips from the campaign in a handy brochure (in Dutch or French) or on a poster (in Dutch or French) that can be printed out. A brief overview of the most important information is provided below.
Tip 1: Your doctor and pharmacist: your advisers
Consult your doctor and ask your pharmacist for advice. They are both qualified healthcare professionals who can answer all your questions about the (proper) use of medicines. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 2: The package leaflet and the packaging of the medicine
Carefully read through the package leaflet and the instructions on the packaging. They will give you useful information about the proper use of medicines. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French).
Tip 3: Licensed medicines
Only licensed medicines have been evaluated in terms of their quality, safety and efficacy. And only pharmacists are authorised to sell these licensed medicines (see also tip 4). Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Please note! There is a difference between medicines and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements can actually be sold outside pharmacies and the packaging must clearly include the words ‘dietary supplement’.
Tip 4: Medicines and the internet
In Belgium, only pharmacists are authorised to sell medicines.
Medicines available without a medical prescription may be sold through a pharmacy's website, but only if it is registered with the FAMHP and the Order of Pharmacists. A list of licensed internet pharmacies is available on the FAMHP website.
By buying medicines over the internet outside this legal route, you run the risk of receiving counterfeit or falsified medicines. Read all the information on risks, recommendations and legislation on the FAMHP website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 5: The side effects of medicines
Contact your doctor and/or pharmacist if side effects occur after taking a medicine.
As a patient, you can also report a side effect directly to the FAMHP. This can be done online at www.eenbijwerkingmelden.be or www.notifieruneffetindesirable.be, or by means of a notification card (known as a yellow card). Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 6: Home or travel pharmacy
A home or travel pharmacy can be useful when it comes to administering initial care and treating minor ailments, but cannot replace the advice of your doctor and/or pharmacist if your condition requires it. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 7: Medicines and driving a vehicle
Check whether the medicine may affect your ability to drive. In actual fact, many medicines can cause reduced vigilance. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 8: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Consult your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any medicines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy or breastfeeding are delicate periods when it comes to using medicines. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 9: Medicines and children
Be careful and vigilant when giving medicines to children. The dose needs to be adjusted according to the child's age and weight. In addition, many medicines are not suitable to be administered to children. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist whenever you wish to purchase medication for children and always consult the package leaflet. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 10: Painkillers and self-medication
Do not abuse painkillers. Although you do not need a medical prescription for certain painkillers, they are by definition not without risk and you should never self-medicate for long periods without medical advice. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 11: Antibiotics
“Caution: use only on doctor's prescription.” Too many antibiotics are used in situations where they are not needed, causing pathogens to become ‘resistant’ to certain antibiotics and antibiotics to become less or no longer vigilant. So only use antibiotics if they are needed in order to fight against a (bacterial) infection. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Tip 12: Sleep-inducing medicines and sedatives
Sleep-inducing medicines and sedatives should not be taken lightly. Do not abuse them and keep the treatment as short as possible. Sleep-inducing medicines and sedatives are medicines with a high risk of habituation and dependence. Visit our campaign website (available in Dutch and French) for more information.
Contact
info.medicines@fagg-afmps.be