Taking medication
Medication is something you take to help make you feel better when you are unwell or in pain. You may also take medication if you have a long-term illness or disability.
At first, your parents or school staff may help you take your medicine at the right time and in the right amount. As you get older, you might start doing this yourself.
Medicines for Children have videos to show how to take different types of medicines.
Great Ormand Street Hospital for Children explain in easy read
Requesting and storing medication
From the age of 16 you can use GP online services. You can use a tablet or phone to
- see what medicines you take now or took before
- check for allergies that a medicine may affect
- ask for repeat prescriptions (medicines you take often).
Some people need to carry their medicine with them. This might be because
- you take it often (like with meals)
- you need it in an emergency (like an EpiPen for anaphylaxis shock).
You will need to keep this somewhere you will not lose it. Some people use a special bag or pouch. You will need to check if your medication needs to be kept cool. Don’t leave it in hot places, like a car in summer.
Sharing medication information
In an emergency, you might not be able to talk. It’s important that others know about your condition and medicine.
Paramedics will check
- your wrists or neck for medical alert jewellery
- your fridge or front door (if at home)
- your wallet or purse.
It helps to keep a list of your prescribed medicines. Lions Message in a Bottle is a good way to do this.
Some people wear jewellery that shows they have a serious condition or allergy. Medical Alert Jewellery tells people what condition you have, what medication you take, who to contact in an emergency and if people can do CPR on you. There are many difference choices, some companies keep more details on file. They may charge a yearly fee.
Stopping The Over Medication of People with a learning disability and/or autism (STOMP)
Somerset Foundation Trust has a plan called STOMP. It helps people with learning disabilities or autism take only the medicine they really need. A health professional might ask for a review of your medicine. This checks if you can take less or stop some medicines. Lots of different people are involved, for example the patient, families, carers, psychiatrist and other healthcare professionals.
The goal is to help you feel better and enjoy life more. For example, taking less medicine that makes you sleepy can help you do more things you like.