Medications 6 min read30 January 2026
Understanding Your Prescriptions and Medications
Reading Your Prescription
Your prescription contains important information:
- Drug name — generic or brand name
- Dose — how much to take
- Frequency — how often
- Route — how to take it (oral, topical, etc.)
- Duration — how long to take it
Common Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BD / BID | Twice daily |
| TDS / TID | Three times daily |
| QDS / QID | Four times daily |
| PRN | As needed |
| OD | Once daily |
| ON | At night |
| OM | In the morning |
| PO | By mouth |
Managing Side Effects
All medications can have side effects. The patient information leaflet (PIL) lists them all, but:
- Very common (>1 in 10) — likely to experience
- Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100) — may experience
- Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000) — unlikely
- Rare (less than 1 in 1,000) — very unlikely
Important: Don't stop taking medication because of the side effects list. Discuss concerns with your pharmacist or GP.
Repeat Prescriptions
Most long-term medications are managed through repeat prescriptions:
- Order online through the NHS App or your practice website
- Allow 48-72 hours for processing
- Collect from your nominated pharmacy
- Attend medication reviews when invited
Saving Money
- Prepayment Certificate (PPC): If you need more than 3 items in 3 months, a PPC saves money
- Free prescriptions: Available if you're over 60, under 16, pregnant, or on certain benefits
- Generic medications: Ask your pharmacist about cheaper alternatives
This article is for educational purposes only. Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions.