At home, Anna pays special attention on how to take and store her medicines.
Taking Your Medicine1
Here are some tips on taking medicines more safely in your home. Each time you take your medicines2-4:
Notice the way the medicine looks including color, size, shape, markings and packaging
Read the label to make sure you’re taking each medicine as prescribed.
Check the expiration date of the medicine. Do not take it if it is expired
Do not break, crush, or chew pills, unless your doctor tells you to. When you take liquid medicine, use the measuring device (spoon or cup) that comes with the medicine or ask for one at the pharmacy
Taking Your Medicine at the Right Dose and the Right Time
It can be difficult to remember to take a medicine. Here are some useful reminders:4
Use a pill organizer/pill box to organize the medicines you take regularly. You can buy one at the pharmacy
Set reminders, like an alarm on your phone, or make a mark on your calendar, to keep track of the doses you take
Link your medicine routine to something you do every day, like brushing your teeth
Storing Your Medicine5-8
Keep medicines in their original containers and in a cool, dry place. Although people may think the bathroom cabinet is a good storage place, it is usually too hot and humid
Follow any special storage instructions. Some medicines should be refrigerated
Store medicines out of the reach and sight of children. If there are children in the home, use the child-resistant caps.
Most medicines may be thrown into household trash in the United States. For these medicines, it is recommended that patients:
Mix medicines with a substance like used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter that makes it less appealing for children, pets, or anyone else to ingest. Then place in a sealed plastic bag BEFORE tossing in the trash
Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information from the medicine bottle
A few medicines should be flushed down the toilet. For more information, please visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website below.
Needles, syringes, injection devices, and lancets are considered as sharps and must be disposed of the right way. If they are not, they may cause harm or spread disease.
Used sharps must be handled carefully. They should be placed immediately in a sharps disposal container and thrown out separately from household trash.