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Millions of people in the UK could be putting their health at risk by not following the instructions when taking their medication.

PV highlights medicines mishaps

New research, commissioned by Pharmacy Voice, shows that a quarter of the 2,047 people surveyed have deliberately not followed instructions about a course of treatment prescribed by a doctor, while only a fifth said they always complete a course of medication.

The survey shows that a quarter of people believe that a course of treatment does not need to be followed rigidly to get better, with 45 per cent saying they trust their body to tell them they feel better more than they trust a course of treatment.

The research also highlighted that one in 10 people take more than the recommended dosage. A quarter do not always use the measures supplied when taking liquid medication, so may be taking sub-optimal or higher than recommended doses. One in seven say they have used out-of-date medicines and one in 20 use medication prescribed to family or friends.

More than 40 per cent keep unused prescribed medicines just in case they need them again, while less than 40 per cent return unused medicines to a pharmacy (a quarter throwing them in the bin or down the toilet).

€We have to tackle the issue of medicines adherence to ensure that medicines continue to be effective worldwide against current and future diseases and viruses,€ says Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice.

€This research highlights that we have some way to go to help patients get the most from their courses of prescribed medicines. It's easy to assume that patients will follow the advice of pharmacists and doctors €“ but we know that it's more complicated than that.€