Ignoring the warning messages that come with medicines is like ignoring the warning signs on a road while driving - it can be fatal, pharmacists have insisted.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), more and more people are failing to read the information leaflets that come with their medicines and are ignoring warning messages on their medicine labels, such as ‘do not drink alcohol while taking this medication'.

"Ignoring the warning messages on a medicine is like ignoring warning signs on the road - it can result in potentially fatal consequences and is just not worth the risk. It is vitally important that people read and stick to the instructions supplied with their medicines," commented pharmacist and IPU member, Bernard Duggan.

He urged anyone who is unsure about taking a medicine to always check with their pharmacist first.

"Ignoring warnings can result in accidents, liver failure, stomach perforation or a serious allergic reaction," he noted.

The IPU also emphasised that warnings can apply to over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines.

Meanwhile, pharmacists also reminded people to keep medicines out of the reach of children. They said that this rule is ‘often unobserved'.