Medications play a vital role in treating illness and improving health—but they must be used safely. Whether you’re a patient, carer or health professional, we all have a part to play in preventing medication-related harm.
The ‘5 Moments for Medication Safety’, highlights the five key moments where awareness and action by patients and carers, can help to reduce avoidable medication related harm.
For patients and carers, these five moments are a chance to ask questions, understand treatment, and feel confident in managing their medications.
What are the 5 moments for medication safety?
The 5 moments for medication safety are when: starting, taking, adding, reviewing or stopping a medication.
- When starting a medication
Ask why the medication is needed, how it works, and how to take it correctly.
- When taking a medication
Follow instructions carefully and report any side effects or concerns.
- When adding a medication
Check for interactions and ensure all medicines are working safely together.
- When reviewing a medication
Regularly assess whether the medicine is still needed or effective.
- When stopping a medication
Understand when and how to safely discontinue a medication.