Medication hack to avoid opening tablets on leaflet side every time

We’ve all experienced it. You tear open a new packet of tablets, only to find you’ve exposed the side with the information leaflet.

It’s not a catastrophe, but it is annoying. But did you know there’s a way to “open medicine the right way every time”?

The trick is straightforward – look for a number. That’s all there is to it. Jordon Cox, also known as Britain’s Coupon King, shared this useful “medicine hack.”

And on Instagram he posted: “How many times do you open the packet – only to find it’s the side where the paper is? Gets annoying, doesn’t it?”.

“Well – there’s a way to avoid this every time. When you look at the packaging – the side with the expiry date and batch number is where the paper is (90% of the time). So now you know where it is…open the other side to get easy access to your meds – with this hack.”

Reacting to his post, one Instagram user admitted: “This has infuriated me for years”, while another confessed: “I didn’t know I was annoyed about this until I saw the video! Now I know how not to be annoyed.”

The comments were filled with gratitude for his advice, reports The Mirror, with another follower adding: “It’s very annoying, great little tip.”

One frequently opened medication packet is ibuprofen – and the NHS has issued a warning to UK residents with 8 conditions – including asthma – who use this drug.

Ibuprofen is a commonly utilised medicine that relieves pain and diminishes inflammation (swelling).

The NHS highlighted that the medication is also available under alternative brand names, including Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel and Ibuleve.

But ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. The NHS cautioned that it may not be suitable if:

1. you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ibuprofen, aspirin or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
2. you have a stomach ulcer or you’ve had them before
3. you have asthma or allergies (such as hay fever)
4. you have chickenpox
5. you have a heart, liver or kidney condition
6. you have problems with blood clotting
7. you’ve had a stroke
8. you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant

The NHS warns: “Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure if you can use it.”