The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has renewed its call for residents to use medicines responsibly, stressing that correct use, storage and disposal are key to treatment success and public safety. The department warned that skipping doses, stopping treatment early or sharing prescription medicines can undermine therapy and put patients at risk of serious complications.
Why adherence matters
The GDoH said medicines only deliver their intended benefits when taken as prescribed and consistently. Treatment adherence is particularly important for people with chronic illnesses such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and mental health conditions. According to the department, following prescribed regimens helps keep these conditions under control, prevents progression and reduces the chance of hospital admissions.
Health authorities emphasised that interruption of treatment or incorrect dosing can reduce effectiveness and increase the likelihood of clinical deterioration. They urged patients who face difficulties with their medication — whether side-effects, supply problems or confusion about dosing — to consult their healthcare provider rather than adjusting or stopping treatment on their own.
Do not share prescription medicines
The GDoH reminded the public that prescription medicines are tailored to an individual’s medical history and condition and should not be shared with others, even if symptoms appear similar. A medicine that is safe and appropriate for one person may be harmful for someone else. The department said prescriptions account for co-existing illnesses, other drugs a person may be taking and specific dosing needs.
Responsible use of antibiotics
The department also stressed the importance of using antibiotics only when indicated. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and are ineffective against viral illnesses such as influenza and the common cold. The GDoH warned that unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making infections harder to treat and increasing risks during surgery and other medical procedures.
Patients prescribed antibiotics were urged to complete the full course exactly as directed and to seek clarification from a clinician or pharmacist if they are unsure about dosing.
Storage and disposal
Proper storage and disposal were cited as further responsibilities for medicine users. The department advised keeping medicines in their original packaging where possible, storing them out of reach of children, and following storage instructions such as refrigeration when required. Unused or expired medicines should be disposed of safely to prevent accidental ingestion and environmental contamination.
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed — do not skip doses or stop treatment without consulting a clinician.
- Never share prescription medication — treatments are personalised and may be harmful to others.
- Use antibiotics responsibly — only for bacterial infections and complete the full course.
- Store medicines properly and keep them away from children.
- Dispose of unused or expired medicines safely to avoid harm and environmental risks.
To make the guidance clearer for readers, the following table summarises common risks and recommended actions.
| Risk | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Missed or irregular doses | Resume as advised by clinician; avoid doubling doses; contact clinic if doses are frequently missed |
| Sharing prescriptions | Do not share; encourage others to visit a healthcare provider for their own prescription |
| Antibiotic misuse | Only take when prescribed for a bacterial infection; complete full course |
| Expired medicines | Return to pharmacy or follow local disposal guidance; do not use expired products |
The GDoH encouraged patients with questions about their medicines to consult healthcare professionals — such as doctors, nurses or pharmacists — rather than relying on informal advice. The department said better patient–provider communication can prevent errors, address side-effects and help keep long-term conditions stable.
Correct medicine use supports individual recovery and protects community health by reducing the emergence of resistant infections. Readers are reminded to speak with their clinic or doctor about any concerns and not to self-diagnose or alter prescribed treatment without professional guidance.
