If you’re like
me, your medicine cabinet may have half-full bottles of over-the-counter
medicines (OTCs). You may even have leftover prescription drugs.
You can always dispose of your drugs safely at a Walgreens near you. Here’s what else you should know when cleaning out your medicine cabinet.
What does a medication expiration date mean?
A drug doesn’t
work as well as it should after it expires. Look closely at the label, carton
or bottom of the medicine bottle to find the expiration date:
Can’t find it?
Experts say most medicines expire in one year.
Can I still take expired medicines?
Getting sick
from taking old prescription drugs is uncommon, but medicines may not be safe
or effective after their expiration date.. Liquid medicines can break down and become
infected with bacteria, and life-saving injectable drugs like insulin and
EpiPens won’t work as well.
Does it make a difference how I store my medication?
Believe it or
not, the bathroom—especially the medicine cabinet— is not a good place to keep
your drugs because heat and moisture can damage them. Medicine should be stored
somewhere cool and dry.
Do I need to protect my medications?
Children and
pets have been poisoned from accidentally swallowing drugs. Lock up any
controlled substances that have been specifically prescribed for you and keep
the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, close to your phone and listed as a
contact on your cell phone.
What drugs should I keep?
Keep a stock of
common OTC medicines handy so you don’t have to dash off to the pharmacy when
you’re already feeling ill.
You should carry
a fresh supply of these medicines:
- Pain relievers: Having both acetaminophen and ibuprofen is useful since some people can’t tolerate certain pain relievers or can’t mix certain ones with their prescription drugs. Both drugs also reduce fevers.
- Medicines for indigestion and diarrhea: Pepto-Bismol or its generic equivalent—bismuth subsalicylate—is good to have because it can relieve most stomach problems, like upset stomach or diarrhea. Chewable antacids are useful for temporary heartburn relief.
- Cold, flu and allergy relief: Non-prescription antihistamines can reduce sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes and throat.
- Ointments and creams: Hydrocortisone cream can be used for quick relief of itchy skin and rashes. Antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin, keep cuts, scrapes and burns from infection.
How do I discard expired or unwanted medication?
Properly getting
rid of expired or unwanted medicines can reduce prescription drug abuse and
protect children and pets from accidental poisonings. Do not flush them down
the toilet, as drugs can pollute the water supply.
Here are three ways to properly dispose of your expired
and unwanted drugs:
- Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers and remove personal information, including Rx number, by scratching it off or covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape.
- Mix the drugs with an icky substance, like cat litter or used coffee grounds.
- Put the mixture into a disposable container, like an empty margarine tub or seal-able bag.
- Place the sealed container with the mixture and empty drug containers in the trash.
If you have any
questions about the safety of your medicines, ask your pharmacist.
Be well, stay
well~
Pharmacist Andy
