Prescription Drug and Over-the-Counter Medication Safe Storage

Prescription medication is secured from the time it leaves the manufacturer until the time it’s dispensed at a pharmacy. At that point it becomes our responsibility to safely store medication at home.

Safe Storage Steps 

  1. Lock it up in a drawer or a cabinet that can be locked, or a lock box that is out of the reach of children and guests.
  1. Monitor your medicine. Know how much you’ve used, how much remains, and keep a list of all the medications in the house. If some of your medication is missing, you’ll know right away.
  1. Securing Medication. Make sure other family members are securing their medicine before your kids visit them.

More Storage Tips

  • Make sure visitors keep their medicine out of sight.
  • Store medication as directed. Usually that means a cool dry place, not a kitchen or bathroom where things can get hot and humid. But sometimes they need to be refrigerated. Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure.
  • Always use the original container the medicine came in. Make sure the label remains attached and all child-resistant caps are secured.
  • Do not combine medications into one bottle.

Learn more at TakeMedsSeriously.org

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