Practical issues such as getting medicines out of the containers

It is better to leave medicines in their original packaging, but sometimes that can cause problems.

It is a legal requirement that all medicines are originally supplied in a child resistant containers. This can make it difficult for people with arthritis or other conditions if they do not have the strength to open bottles.

If this is a problem for you, or someone you care for there are a number of things you can do:

• request non child proof tops from your pharmacist when collecting the medicine
   
• ask for wing tops, although these are not always available
   
• ask for blister packs rather than bottles

If you are a carer or family member, you may think about leaving the lids loose or putting the tablets out on trays or special dispensing boxes.