Many of us greet the arrival of spring with a dust rag and mop in our hands, in an attempt to clear away winter’s clutter. If you are a spring cleaner (and even if you are not), this is a good time to “refresh” the medication storage area in your home by discarding old or unused medications and restocking frequently used medications and supplies.
Where is your medication cabinet in your home? If you are like most Americans, you are storing your prescriptions in either your bathroom or kitchen – the very worst places for medicine storage. The heat and humidity in these rooms can quickly degrade medication. Medications should be kept in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Medications should also be kept in a safe place out of reach of children, confused individuals, and pets.
Medications are best kept in their original containers, but please remove the cotton that often is packaged inside the bottle with many over-the-counter medications! You should also:
• Check the expiration dates all medications: prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal preparations. They all have expiration dates. If they are at or past that date, throw them out!
• If medications have changed in color, disintegrated from their original form, or have an unusual odor or taste, throw them out!
• If the medication is no longer being prescribed for or used by you or your loved one, throw it out!
• Unrecognizable medications need to be thrown out, too.
Keeping any of these medications increases the risk of misuse by you or others. Some young people will experiment with unused or left-over prescription medications from their own family’s cabinet with dire consequences. Also remember to remove any identifying labels on the medication containers before discarding them.
Some individuals go on and off medications according to their health status or their doctor’s instructions. If this is the case, remove these medications from those currently being taken and store them in a safe place away from other medications. If these medications are restarted at some point in the future, always check that they are the correct dose and that the instructions for use are the same as currently prescribed.
Do not share “left-over” medications with anyone -- even if they are prescribed the same medication or have similar symptoms. The risk of serious interaction or allergic reaction is a very dangerous possibility.
There are some basic medications and first aid supplies you may want to have on hand: over-the-counter medications such a mild pain reliever, antiseptic solutions, an antibiotic ointment, band-aids, and preparations for stomach upset, heartburn and diarrhea. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure your choices will not interfere with your prescribed medications. Always use over-the-counter medications according to the directions on the container unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
Following these simple guidelines makes quick work of spring-cleaning your medicine cabinet.
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