Storing Medicine Safely
Once you have your food and water storage in place it’s time to start thinking about other concerns. Do you take any regular medications? Would you be able to do without them in an emergency situation? Most people on medications would not be able to go without it. Make sure you have a plan to maintain your health in an emergency.
You may want to talk to your doctor about how to maintain an emergency supply of medication. But how do you store your meds safely? How do you ensure your meds will last and long as possible? Medications don’t have the shelf life that freeze dried food does. They expire quickly. Make sure you are rotating through them consistently.
Like most people, you probably store your medications in the bathroom. But this popular spot is actually one of the worst places to keep medicine. Bathroom cabinets tend to be warm and humid, an environment that speeds up the process of a drug breaking down.
Heat and humidity especially affects tablets and capsules. Unnecessary exposure to heat and moisture can cause them to lose their potency prior to their labeled expiration date. For example, a warm, muggy environment can cause aspirin tablets to break down into acetic acid (vinegar) and salicylic acid, both of which are potential stomach irritants.
Keep medicines in a cool, dry place and out of a child’s reach.
If you must keep them in the bathroom, always keep the containers tightly closed. Never repackage them. If medicines are to be stored in a kitchen, store them away from the stove, sink, and any heat-releasing appliances.
In rare cases, medicine that is improperly stored can actually become toxic. To prevent danger, follow these tips:
- Always store drugs out of the reach of children.
- Don’t leave the cotton plug in a medication bottle. Doing so can draw moisture into the container.
- Check the expiration date each time you take a drug. Throw out and replace any medications that are out of date.
- Never use a medication that has changed color, consistency, or odor, regardless of the expiration date. Throw away capsules or tablets that stick together, are harder or softer than normal, or cracked or chipped.
- Ask your pharmacist about any specific storage instructions.
Travelers need to follow additional tips for safe storage of their medications:
- Before leaving home, list all your medications, as well as the name and number of your pharmacist and doctor.
- Pack your medicine in a carry-on bag instead of a checked suitcase.
- Bring an extra supply with you in case your return is delayed.
- Never leave medicines in an automobile, where heat can rapidly destroy the drug.
- Watch time changes. Set a separate watch to your usual time so you can remember when to take any medication.
More information on travel tips and safe storage of medicines is available through the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists at www.safemedication.com.
* Information taken from this article on drugs.com
When it comes time to throw away your old unused medications, please do not throw them in the toilet or sink. This prevents the medications from going into the water supply. There are a number of studies showing small amount of various prescirption drugs in our drinking water from this methed of diposing of old meds. Do a search on Goolge for “old medications” and read on.
The American Pharmacists Association recommends crushing solid medications or disolving them in water, this applies for liquid meds too, and mixing with kitty litter or saw dust to absorb the liquid, put into a plastic baggie (ziplock) and then throwing this in the trash can. (I beleive the reason is to make the meds inaccesible to pets and children so you make the call on if you want to take these measures)
You can then recycle the bottle. However, you should first scrape the prescription label off
You can also check with your pharmacist. They may have a disposal program already.
Enjoy
September 1st, 2009 at 8:47 pmA medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. Medications are generally divided into two groups -over the counter medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, and Prescription only medications, which must be prescribed by a physician. Most medication is generally considered to be safe enough that most persons will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed. Many countries, such as the UK have a third category of pharmacy medications which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. However, the precise distinction between and prescription depends on the legal jurisdiction. Medications are typically produced by pharmaceutical companies and are often patented.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:56 pm