DO you know what's in your medicine cabinet? Chances are, you don't. (There's a test, below).

Few people read the product labels on drug packaging, know the benefits or the risks of what they take, or ask their pharmacist about the medications they purchase.

Changing public attitudes and education on the subject of medicines is just one aspect of National Pharmacy Week, which runs from Monday to Saturday next week.

Among the week's events:

A "brown bag" medicine review will be held. Pharmacists from The Phoenix Group, Somerset Pharmacy, Robertson's Pharmacy, White's and Caesar's Pharmacy have asked the public to bring in their medicines - prescription and non-prescription - for a check-up. Pharmacists will be available for personal consultations to ensure that each person is not using or storing expired medications and is not taking medications, that, when taken together, could cause unwanted side effects. Residents should check with their pharmacy for exact times.

A "dump campaign" will encourage people to bring all expired and discontinued medicines to White's Pharmacy. These will be safely disposed of in the correct and appropriate environmental manner.

Free blood pressure monitoring throughout National Pharmacy Week at Caesars Pharmacy and Somerset Pharmacy.

People's Pharmacy and White's Pharmacy will be offering free glucose monitoring throughout National Pharmacy Week. Caesar's Pharmacy will provide free glucose monitoring on Monday November 18, between 5 and 6 p.m.

The Bermuda Hospital Board's pharmacy department will have a display in the foyer of the King Edward VII Hospital at the New Wing Entrance.

Health tip leaflets and stickers will be available at all of Bermuda's 12 pharmacies.

"Pharmacists are underutilised," according to Netta Williams, president of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association (BPA), an organisation made up of Bermuda's approximately 40 pharmacists.

"We are the first line of patient care and we will often deal with minor scrapes and ailments," Ms Williams said. "If we can't help, we can refer you to your GP."

Pharmacy requires a five-year degree course. In the United Kingdom, the professional training leading to an M. Pharm and membership in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. In the United States, doctorates in pharmacy are the educational target.

TEST: Taking medications properly is one of the best ways to avoid future health costs. Each year, thousands of people worldwide end up in hospital, fail to get better, and spend more money than they have to, simply because they do not take their medication properly.

Pharmacists can educate you about your medications, both prescription and non-prescription. The Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association, the national professional society of pharmacists, says that every person should be able to answer the following questions before taking any new medication.

q What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?

When and how do I take it?

How long should I take it?

Does this medication contain anything that can cause an allergic reaction?

Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, foods and/or activities?

Should I expect any side effects?

What if I forget to take my medication?

Is it safe to become pregnant or to breast-feed while taking this medication?

Is there a generic version of the medication that my doctor has prescribed?

How should I store my medications?