Can’t remember when you last cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Maybe it’s time for you to get rid of expired medications and make sure you have on hand all the essential first-aid products. In fact, you should go through your cabinet twice a year to reduce the risks associated with using expired pharmaceutical products.
Keep an eye on the expiry date!
Medications don’t last forever. That’s why they have an expiry date. Remember that keeping expired or unneeded mediations in your medicine cabinet means taking unnecessary risks with your health and that of your family.
Medications contain active ingredients that can be affected by their environment. For a variety of reasons, they can alter over time. If you notice a change in colour, shape, smell or texture, do not use them. Simply return them to your pharmacist. He will have them destroyed in a safe, eco-friendly manner. Also, medications should never be thrown into the garbage or toilet, since this can contaminate the soil and water supply and in the long term cause serious harm to the environment.
If you have questions about the disposal of medications, talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help!
Cleaning out your medicine cabinet also means making sure you have on hand all the necessary first-aid products. Here are the items that should be found in your home pharmacy:
- local antiseptic
- calamine lotion
- absorbent cotton or sterile pads
- triangular bandages
- adhesive bandages in various sizes
- hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- a pair of scissors
- tweezers
- safety pins
- a thermometer
- pain medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid)
- a mild laxative
- cough syrup
- a decongestant and/or allergy syrup or pills
- an antacid
- throat lozenges
- anti-diarrhea medication
And remember that:
- each product should be kept in its original packaging accompanied by its directions for use;
- certain medications, like eye drops, must be discarded within weeks of their first administration. Always look to the expiry date featured on the pharmacist’s label;
- heat and moisture alter medications. The kitchen and bathrooms are not the best places for them. Ideally, they should be kept in a cool, dry environment, away from direct light and, most importantly, out of the reach of children.
If you have questions about storing medications, talk to your pharmacist.