Responsible use of medication significantly benefits our health and wellbeing. However, if not taken carefully, there can be fatal outcomes such as poisoning. Poisoning occurs when a harmful substance is swallowed, inhaled, injected or absorbed into the body. It can lead to illness, injury or in some cases, death.

March 15th-22nd is National Poison Prevention Week. In Canada, medication was the leading cause of poisoning. However, this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. In many cases, poisoning is unintentional. There are many ways to prevent accidental poisoning.

• Always read the label and instructions for use before consuming any medications
• Read and take the recommended dosage amount
• Take your medications at the recommended times
• Avoid mixing medications or starting a new medication if you aren’t sure how it interacts with a current medication
• Store medications away properly after usage
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about a medication

If you suspect you may have contracted accidental poisoning, you can call the Ontario Poison Centre at +1 800-268-9017.

By Amy Barber, Registered Pharmacy Tech.