Safe Medicines Campaign launched by Omagh Pharmacist

by Gráinne Connolly

Omagh man Joe Brogan, has helped lead a campaign that raises awareness of the dangers of misusing prescription medication. 

Mr Brogan is head of the pharmacy Health and Social Care Board. 

He's revealed that the misuse of prescription drugs such as Tramadol, Diazepam and anti-depressants, was responsible for 27 times more deaths than illicit drugs like Cocaine, in 2015: 

The aim of the Safe Medicines Campaign is to demonstrate the dangers of misusing drugs, including prescription medication. 

If medication is not prescribed to you or taken as directed, it can cause serious harm and often lead to to a fatality. 

The campaign is predominantly a social media campaign which will be made aware through the Health and Social Care Board. 

They've been posting informational videos and posts for the public to see: 

The public are reminded through the campaign, that the correct way to use medicines is to: 

• Ensure you've been assessed and your doctor or health care professional has prescribed it for you 
• Do not share your medicine with friends or family 
• Take medication as prescribed and do not take more than the recommended dosage 
• Do not mix prescription medicine with other medicine without checking with your doctor 
• Do not take medicine with alcohol 
• Do not buy medicine from unauthorised sources such as over the internet or on the street 

There's also more information about the Safe Medicine's Campaign on the Health and Social Care Board website: http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/safemedsni/

If you think you might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs or you are concerned about a loved one and would like to get help please visit http://www.drugsandalcoholni.info/ for information on support services near you.