Your Commonly Asked Drug Questions

What do you do if you forget to take a dose of your medication? Is it harmful to take acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time? Can you flush medications that have expired? ASEBP’s pharmacist answers some of your commonly asked questions.

If drugs are sold over the counter, are they safer?

Every medication has risks and potential side effects. Always read the label carefully to ensure you take the right dosage at the recommended time. If you have questions, talk to your community pharmacist.

Can I take acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are over-the-counter medications used to relieve fever and pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reliever), whereas ibuprofen is a non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drug. While they relieve similar symptoms, how they work is different.

Generally, adults can alternate the use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen together (e.g., taking one, then taking the other four-to-six hours later), if you stay within the recommended dose for a 24-hour period. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your health care provider or community pharmacist before starting any new medication, even over-the-counter products.

Sometimes I forget to take my daily medication before bed. Should I take it first thing in the morning instead?

Generally, take your medication as soon as you remember. If you usually take a daily pill in the evening, and it’s already late afternoon, you do not want to take two doses too close together to avoid having an unsafe amount of medication in your body.

Some medications can also make you drowsy, so if you take a daily pill in the evening to help manage these side effects, it may not be a good idea to take it in the morning. If in doubt, talk to your community pharmacist.

Where should I store my medication?

Contrary to popular belief, your bathroom is not the best place to store medications because of excess humidity. Aim to store medications in a cool, dark place that is out of reach of children and youth. In some cases, you may want to consider a locked storage box, especially if you are taking medication to manage chronic pain that has the potential for misuse.

Do generic drugs work the same as brand name versions?

Health Canada sets a single standard for quality and purity of drugs, and both brand name and generic drug manufacturers must adhere to the same requirements. Generic drugs provide equal concentrations of active ingredients to their brand name counterparts. You may prefer one product to another, but the active ingredient is the same. Read more about generic medications, including what to do if you are allergic to a generic drug’s non-medicinal ingredients.

What should I do with unused medication that has expired?

Take your unused and expired medication to your community pharmacy for disposal. Flushing expired medication is not recommended as many wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to remove all pharmaceutical residues.

How ASEBP supports you

You can use your Wellness Spending Account (if you have one) to cover the cost of over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cold and sinus medication. Please refer to receipt requirements before submitting your reimbursement claim.

The information provided in this article is for personal use, reference, and education only. ASEBP does not provide medical advice. Before starting any medication or product, you should always consult with your pharmacist, health care provider, or call Alberta Health Link at 811.