Drugs should be stored according to the instructions given on its label. In general, unless a drug indicates on its label that refrigeration is required, it's best to keep them stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Whenever a drug enters and leaves the fridge, moisture and water particles adhere to its surface and eventually get absorbed. This could potentially diminish the drug’s potency and make it unsafe to use.

In addition, low temperature can also have a negative effect on a drug’s potency. For most drugs that require refrigeration, they should generally be stored in a temperature between 2°C to 8°C. Avoid keeping them inside the freezer as this would damage and change the drug’s molecular structure.²

Different drugs will come with different usage instructions that are designed to help them achieve optimal results. Some drugs can cause irritation in the stomach, and it’s recommended to be taken after a meal, while the absorption of other drugs could be affected by food and is better to be taken on an empty stomach. You should always follow the instructions indicated on the medicine’s label.

In general, medicines that are supposed to be taken on an empty stomach should be taken about an hour before or two hours after a meal. Taking medication after eating or with food usually means taking the medication within 30 minutes after a meal.

Unless otherwise indicated, medications should only be taken with water. Beverages such as tea, soda, soy milk, coffee, milk, and grapefruit juice could all cause drug reactions, and you should avoid taking them with your medication.³

Generally, patients can take a missed dose immediately if the dose has only been missed for less than two hours. If you are closer to your next dose by the time you realize your mistake, you should skip the missed pill and wait for the next dose. Do not double your dosage for a missed pill.³ For patients who often forget or miss a dose, a useful medication management tip is to set an alarm on your phone as a reminder.

After taking the pill, the drug will take its effect, and in the same time, your body will also slowly eliminate the drug. It’s important to follow your dosing schedule in order to achieve optimal results. If you are not sure how long to wait between doses, you can use the numbers below as a frame of reference:⁴
1 dose a day：Take your medication at the same time every day
2 doses a day：Wait 12 hours between doses
3 doses a day：Wait 6 to 8 hours between doses
4 doses a day：Wait 4 to 6 hours between doses

Unless instructed by your doctor, you should avoid spiltting a pill before taking it. Certain pills have a coating layer that protects them from gastric acids (some also protect your stomach), and breaking the pill could diminish its potency.⁵

In addition, you should avoid spiltting a sustained-release tablet as its design is to release the medicine gradually and spiltting it could cause an overdose and increase the risk of side effects.⁶ Follow the handling tips on your medication’s label to ensure and protect the drug’s efficacy.

Doctors take many things into consideration when they prescribe a medication, such as the patient’s unique physical condition and lifestyle. You should avoid taking a medication just because someone recommended it, as your physical and health conditions could be vastly different.

In addition, different illnesses could show similar symptoms but require different treatments. Using the wrong medication could potentially cause delays in your treatment and harmful side effects, among other dangerous consequences.⁷ Always consult your doctor and let medical professionals guide you on the safety, handling, and usage of a medication before using them.

Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure must always follow their doctor’s instructions on medications strictly and take it regularly. You must never stop your medication or change your dosage without your doctor’s approval, as this could lead to very severe consequences.⁸ If you experience any problems or adverse reactions while using your medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.³ For your own safety, always follow your doctor's instructions and tips for your medication management.

There are many medication management tips you can follow to help remind yourself to take your medication, such as setting an alarm on your wristwatch or mobile phone.

You could also try to create a routine by linking your medication doses with daily activities. For example, medications that require two doses a day can be taken immediately after waking up in the morning and right before going to bed at night. For 3 doses a day, you can associate them with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.⁴

A “branded drug” is any new medication originally discovered and developed by a specific pharmaceutical company. This involves a long, step by step process of laboratory tests, clinical trials, and scientific validation to confirm a drug’s safety, efficacy, and dosage. Once approved by the authority and registered, pharmaceutical companies can begin to sell a new drug to the public.