Every year, thousands of people — both adults and children — are harmed or killed by taking medication that wasn’t prescribed to them. Whether by accident, curiosity, or misunderstanding, taking someone else’s medicine can be deadly.  It’s a growing problem in homes across the country, and it’s one we all have the power to prevent. 

The Risks of Taking Someone Else’s Medication

Prescription medications are carefully tailored to an individual’s health needs, age, weight, and medical history.  What works for one person may be dangerous — even fatal — for another.  

Taking someone else’s medicine can cause:

• Severe allergic reactions

• Dangerous interactions with other medications

• Overdose and poisoning

• Organ failure

• Death

This isn’t just a concern for children.  Adults are increasingly affected, often misusing medications for pain, anxiety, or sleep without understanding the consequences. 

Keep Medications Safe & Secure

Help prevent accidents and misuse by following these safety tips: 

• Store medications out of reach and out of sight, ideally in a locked cabinet or box.

• Never leave tablets or medicines loose in purses, drawers, or countertops.

• Keep medication in original packaging with clear labels and instructions.

• Dispose of unused or expired medication safely — many pharmacies offer free disposal services.

• Talk openly with your family — especially teens and elderly relatives — about the dangers of sharing or taking medication that isn’t theirs.

What To Do If Someone Takes the Wrong Medication

If you suspect that someone has taken medication not prescribed to them:

1. Stay calm but act quickly.

2. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department if the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or acting erratically.

3. Contact NHS 111 or visit  www.111.nhs.uk for guidance if the person is conscious and stable.

4. Give all available details — the medication taken, how much, and when.

5. Don’t wait for symptoms to show — some effects can be delayed but still dangerous. 

Pharmacies 

Your local pharmacist can help with safe medication storage, disposal, and advice. 

Medication Safety Starts With You 

You can save a life just by locking the medicine cabinet, talking to your children, or helping a friend get support.  

The message is simple: If it’s not prescribed for you, don’t take it.  Ever.  Stay safe.  Stay informed.  Share the message. 

Source: NHS via https://lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk/our-campaigns/medication-safety/

Our attendance this week has been 93.63%, and our attendance for this year is 94.48%  Our attendance target for every child is 96%.

Children in Years 1 to 6 who are in school on time every day in a week will be given 5 dojos to celebrate and recognise their attendance. We are also recognising the best class each week with an in-school Shine Charter competition, where classes can win £50 to spend on resources once they have been the highest-attending class 5 times. Please support the school by ensuring that you child is here every day, ready to learn.

We have made a small change to our PE kit requirements.  Children in Year 1 and Year 2 will now come to school wearing their PE kit alongside their school jumper and coat on their PE day.  Only children in Reception class will change into their PE kit in school.

Congratulations to our Year 6 children who took part in a dodgeball tournament earlier this month, walking away with a silver and bronze certificate for their fantastic efforts.

The deadline for completing applications to start school in September 2026 has now passed. If you know of any families who have missed the deadline but would like a place at Pendle Primary Academy, please tell them to come to the school office and we will support them in making a late application.