At least one-quarter of people do not read the directions for use when taking medicines, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, 23% of people do not read any of the information that comes with their medicine, while 26% do not read the directions for use. A further 35% do not read the information relating to potential side-effects.

This issue is being highlighted as part of a new campaign by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). People are being urged to always read the information that comes with their medicines, to ensure they are taking these products in the safest way possible.

The survey noted that 20% admitted to taking a prescription medicine for a shorter period than directed by their doctor, while 13% of people admitted to taking a prescription medicine that was not actually prescribed for them. Among people aged 25-34, this figures rose to 18%.

The HPRA campaign - ‘For the Full Benefit, Take Three Minutes' - is encouraging people to carefully read the information that comes with their medicines.

"Medicines can help us to live longer and healthier lives, but for the safest and most beneficial outcome, people need to inform themselves about the correct dose, the directions for use and the known side-effects.

"Our research tells us that people who read this information spend about three minutes doing so. Our campaign aims to encourage more people to always take those three minutes, whether they are taking medication themselves or giving it to someone in their care. If people have any questions or concerns, they should always consult their doctor or pharmacist," explained HPRA chief executive, Lorraine Nolan.

The HPRA expressed concern that the number of people informing themselves about the medicines they are taking appears to be on the decline. A similar survey it carried out in 2010 found that 14% of people never read the product information on over-the-counter medicines. In this survey, that figure had jumped to 26%.

Meanwhile in 2010, 12% admitted to not reading the product information on prescription-only medicines, but during this survey, that figure had risen to 21%.

"Even if someone is taking a specific medicine regularly over a long period of time, we would recommend they still read the product information on a regular basis. Significant details such as the contraindications or potential side-effects can change from time to time so it is important that those on long-term medication keep themselves informed," Ms Nolan noted.

The campaign will run for six weeks across radio, digital and print media. For more information on how to take medicines safely, click here