Patient Information Leaflets: A Barrier to Understanding Medication

Medication is intended to improve a patient’s health and quality of life. However, when misused or misunderstood, it can have the opposite effect—even worsening health or hastening death. To prevent this, all medications, whether prescribed or bought over the counter, include Patient Information Leaflets (PILs). These leaflets provide essential details about the medication, including dosage, side effects, and instructions for safe use.

While the intention behind PILs is commendable—helping patients use medications effectively and safely—the reality often falls short. Many patients are confronted with overly technical language, lengthy paragraphs, tiny font sizes, and confusing statistics. This creates barriers to understanding, leading to poor adherence to prescribed treatments and, consequently, deteriorating health, increased healthcare costs, or worse, fatalities.

One key issue is that medical professionals often fail to explain medication instructions in detail. Perhaps doctors assume patients will read the information provided in the PILs, but the truth is that most patients do not. When unwell, few people have the energy or focus to decipher dense medical jargon. Those who do attempt to read the leaflets often skim over the text, focusing only on the potential side effects. Alarmed by the risks, some patients may stop taking their medication altogether, further complicating their health.

The issue is compounded by the technical language and acronyms used in PILs. These documents, written by pharmaceutical companies, often feel inaccessible to the average reader. It almost seems as though the intention is to obscure rather than clarify. Take the example of over-the-counter medications like Grand-Pa headache powders. While they work quickly to relieve pain, misuse—such as taking more than the recommended dose—can lead to serious side effects or complications.

In hospital settings, healthcare professionals usually explain medications directly to patients, bypassing the need for leaflets. This personalised guidance ensures that patients understand their treatment and make informed decisions. Outside of hospitals, however, patients are left to navigate PILs on their own, with little guidance.

So, what can be done? Patients must take a proactive approach. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain your medication in plain language, and don’t be afraid to seek clarification. If you choose to rely on the PILs, take the time to read them carefully, even if the text is challenging.

Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring medication safety is shared. Medical professionals must make the effort to explain treatments clearly, while patients must advocate for themselves. As the late Steve Biko once wrote, “Black Man, You Are On Your Own.” This sentiment rings true for all patients navigating the complexities of modern healthcare.

Bheki Nyathikazi is a communication practitioner. He writes in his personal capacity.