An undisputed fact is that medication is meant to improve a patient’s health or quality of life. However, if not used according to its instructions, medication can also contribute to adverse health effects, including worsening conditions or even death.
All types of medication, whether prescribed by a medical doctor or bought over the counter, contain Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) designed to provide users with information about the product, including dosage, side effects, and safe and effective use. These information leaflets, written by pharmaceutical companies, are inserted into every box of medication. Undoubtedly, providing written information about prescription drugs is crucial, as it helps patients use them safely, minimises preventable adverse drug reactions, and ultimately improves health outcomes.
However, despite efforts to improve readability and comprehension, a vast number of patients still struggle with PILs. These leaflets are often written in small font, filled with complex medical jargon, and include poorly presented statistical information, making it difficult for patients to assess the risks and benefits of their treatment. As a result, many make poor decisions regarding their prescribed medication. Non-adherence to prescribed regimens not only worsens health conditions but also increases healthcare costs and, in extreme cases, may lead to death.
More often than not, medical doctors prescribe medication without providing detailed instructions on how best to take it. Perhaps they assume patients will read the information leaflets, but the opposite is true. Who has the time to strain their eyes reading small print while feeling unwell? Those who do attempt to read the PILs often skim through the side effects, knowing that medication can also cause complications. It remains critical that medical practitioners take the time to explain and clarify the information in PILs, regardless of how readable or unreadable they are.
Let’s be honest—these leaflets are not written for the average person to understand. They are filled with pharmaceutical jargon and acronyms, almost as if comprehension is discouraged. Take Grand-Pa, for example; it “goes to work fast,” but in desperation to relieve a headache, some people exceed the recommended dose, risking side effects and complications. We now understand that excessive or prolonged use of medication can be harmful. Ironically, some patients who do read the PILs may stop taking their medication altogether after seeing the listed side effects.
So, what are the options? In hospitals, patients typically receive medication without the accompanying leaflets; instead, they get information directly from healthcare professionals. Ideally, patients should be able to make informed decisions about their treatment. This means either pressing your doctor for a thorough explanation or taking the time to read the PILs. Otherwise, as Steve Biko once wrote, “Black Man, You Are On Your Own.”
