PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

Patient safety tips for purchasing over the counter medications

In light of recent events involving tampered over the counter medication in a St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, pharmacy, the Newfoundland & Labrador Pharmacy Board (NLPB) reminds the public to take extra caution and care when purchasing and/or taking over the counter medications.

Anyone who is purchasing over the counter medications should be aware of the following tips to reduce the risk that any intentional tampering has occurred:

1. Outer packaging
Pay attention to the packaging – if there is any damage to the outside packaging select another package and give the pharmacist the damaged product.

2. Inner packaging
When you open the outer packaging, check the label to confirm the drug is what it should be and that the label is intact and that the manufacturers package insert containing medication information is present. Ensure that the container and any inner seals are intact.

3. Medication
Once the container is open, observe the medication. The medication should not have any discolouring, and should appear undisturbed and intact. Some residue may be common but there should not be any broken surfaces on solid medications or foreign matter in liquid solutions.

4. Talk to your pharmacist
If anything appears unusual or concerning about the packaging of the medication, or the medication itself, talk to your pharmacist.