What to Do If a Dose of Medicine Is Missed

Don't guess — check first

Different medicines have different guidance for a missed dose — some should be taken as soon as remembered, others skipped entirely until the next scheduled time. This varies by medicine, so don't assume one approach fits all.

What to do in the moment

Contact the prescribing doctor, the pharmacist, or the healthcare provider managing the medicine as soon as you realise a dose was missed, rather than waiting until the next scheduled dose to mention it.

Never double up without checking

Taking two doses together to "make up" for a missed one can be harmful for many medicines. Always confirm this is safe for the specific medicine before doing it.

Reducing the chance of it happening again

A simple log, phone reminders, or a fixed routine tied to another daily activity (like a meal) all help reduce missed doses, especially for medicines taken multiple times a day.

When it keeps happening

If doses are being missed repeatedly, it's worth telling the doctor — the schedule itself might need adjusting to better fit the patient's or family's routine, rather than just trying harder to remember.

How RUSHIVA can help

Our trained staff help keep injection schedules consistent and can advise who to contact if a dose is ever missed. Reach out through the enquiry form below.