Patients 'should have access to more info about medicines'

A majority of Irish doctors believe patients should have more access to information about the medications they take, according to a survey conducted by the Irish Patients' Association (IPA).

The survey found that almost all GPs felt patients were more informed about health issues now than they were five years ago, but more than half also thought that patients should have access to more information.

IPA chairman Stephen McMahon said: "Doctors have clearly indicated in this research that they don't have sufficient time in a consultation to fully inform patients about their medicines.

"It's absolutely important for patients to understand what that medicine is for, when to take it, what the dosage is and what to do if you've forgotten to take that dosage."