Storing prescription medications properly is important for your health and safety. When you keep your medicines the right way, they work better and last longer.
Many people don’t know that where they keep their pills can make them stop working. In fact, heat, air, light, and moisture may damage your medicine. This article will show you easy ways to store your medicines so they stay safe and work when you need them.
Why Medicine Storage Matters
Your medicines are like special helpers that keep you healthy. But just like food goes bad in the wrong place, medicines can lose their power too.
If medications don’t meet temperature requirements, they can become less effective or even chemically altered. This means they might not help you feel better. Some medicines can even become unsafe if stored wrong.
Think of it this way: Would you leave ice cream on the counter? No! It would melt. Your medicines need the same kind of care.
The Bathroom Is Not Your Friend
Most people keep medicines in the bathroom. But this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
The heat and moisture from your shower, bath, and sink may damage your medicine. When you take a hot shower, your bathroom gets steamy and warm. This is bad for pills and capsules.
Pills can stick together or get soft. Some medicines lose their strength before the date on the bottle says they should.
Best Places to Store Your Medicines
So where should you keep your medicines? Here are the best spots:
Your Bedroom Dresser
A dresser drawer works great. It stays cool and dry. Plus, you can remember to take your morning medicines when you get dressed.
Kitchen Cabinet
Pick a cabinet far away from the stove and sink. Store your medicines in a cool, dry place away from the stove, sink, and any hot appliances. The cabinet should be up high if you have kids or pets at home.
A Closet Shelf
A closet in your bedroom or hallway is perfect. Just make sure it’s not near a heating vent or window where sunlight comes in.
What Temperature Is Best?
Most medications should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is comfortable for you, so it’s good for your medicines too.
Keep Medicines Away From Kids and Pets
Safety first! Store medicines in a locked cabinet, closet, or safe if you have children or pets.
Every year, about 60,000 children are brought to the emergency department because medications were stored in reach. This is scary but easy to prevent.
Here’s what you can do:
- Use a cabinet with a child lock
- Keep medicines on high shelves
- Never leave pills on the counter
- Put medicines away right after taking them
- Count your pills so you know if any are missing
Special Storage for Special Medicines
Some medicines need extra care. Always read the label or ask your pharmacist for help.
Refrigerated Medicines
Some liquid antibiotics and insulin need to be kept cold in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Put them on a shelf, not in the door. The door gets warmer every time you open it.
Liquid Medicines
Liquids can be tricky. They might separate or get thick if stored wrong. Keep them at the right temperature and shake them before using if the label says to.
Creams and Ointments
Most creams are fine at room temperature. But check the label. Some need to stay cool.
What to Avoid
Here are the big no-nos for medicine storage:
Never Store in Your Car
Cars can become scorching or frigid in a matter of minutes. Even in the glove box, temperatures can get too hot or too cold. Your medicine can be ruined in just one trip to the store.
Don’t Use Pill Organizers for Everything
Pill boxes are handy for daily doses. But not all medications should be removed from their original packaging. Some pills need to stay away from light and air. Ask your pharmacist before moving pills to a weekly organizer.
Skip the Cotton Ball
Take the cotton ball out of the medicine bottle because the cotton ball pulls moisture into the bottle. That little cotton ball might seem helpful, but it actually hurts your medicine.
Leave Original Labels On
Always keep medicines in their original bottles with the labels. This helps you:
- Know what the medicine is
- Remember how to take it
- See the expiration date
- Show doctors if needed
Traveling With Your Medicines
Going on a trip? Your medicines need to come along safely.
Keep medications in your carry-on bag when flying. Never put them in checked bags. Airplane cargo areas can get too hot or too cold.
If you’re driving, keep medicines with you in the car cabin. Don’t leave them in the trunk or glove box.
For refrigerated medicines, use a small cooler with ice packs. But don’t let the medicine touch the ice directly.
Signs Your Medicine Has Gone Bad
Sometimes medicines get damaged. Watch for these warning signs:
- Pills that changed color
- Pills that stick together
- Medicine that smells different
- Liquid that looks cloudy or separated
- Capsules that are soft or cracked
Do not take medicine that has changed color, texture, or smell, even if it has not expired. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or get a new prescription.
Check Expiration Dates
Look at the dates on your medicine bottles every few months. Throw away anything that’s expired.
Old medicines might not work anymore. Some can even be harmful. Don’t take chances with your health.
How to Throw Away Old Medicines Safely
Never flush medicines down the toilet unless the label says to. Don’t just toss them in the trash either.
The best way is to use a drug take-back program. Many pharmacies, including Crystal Lake Pharmacy, can help you dispose of medicines safely.
If you can’t use a take-back program:
- Mix the medicine with something gross like coffee grounds or cat litter
- Put the mixture in a sealed bag
- Throw the bag in your trash
- Scratch out your name on the empty bottle
Quick Storage Checklist
Print this list and put it on your fridge:
✓ Keep medicines in a cool, dry place
✓ Avoid bathrooms, cars, and kitchens near the stove
✓ Lock up medicines if you have kids or pets
✓ Read all labels and follow special instructions
✓ Store medicines in original containers
✓ Check expiration dates regularly
✓ Keep medicines away from sunlight
✓ Remove cotton balls from bottles
✓ Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure
Get Help From Your Pharmacy
Still have questions? That’s what pharmacists are for! At Crystal Lake Pharmacy, we love helping people understand their medicines.
We can tell you:
- Exactly how to store each medicine
- What temperature is best
- If you need special containers
- How long medicines last
- What to do if storage goes wrong
Our medication therapy management service can review all your medicines and make sure you’re storing them right.
Final Thoughts
Storing your medicines properly is easy once you know how. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, and moisture. Always use the original containers and check expiration dates.
Remember: Your bathroom medicine cabinet is not the best spot. Choose a bedroom drawer, kitchen cabinet away from heat, or closet shelf instead.
If you have children or pets, lock medicines away safely. This simple step can prevent scary accidents.
When you store medicines the right way, they work better and last longer. This means you get the health benefits you need.
Need help with your prescriptions? Visit us at Crystal Lake Pharmacy. We’re here to answer your questions and keep your family healthy. You can also easily transfer your prescriptions to our pharmacy for personalized care.