How often do you clean out your medicine cabinet? It's important to do this on a regular basis to avoid taking expired, unnecessary or harmful medications. Here are the key questions (and our answers) to help you adopt the best practices for managing your expired medications.
There is absolutely no point in keeping medications that have expired or are no longer needed. If your condition no longer requires a drug, if you've had side effects or if your doctor has told you to stop taking it, you should get rid of it.
Why clean out your medicine cabinet?
Yes, it takes a little time and effort, but cleaning out your medications on a regular basis has many benefits:
- Save storage space;
- Make a clear inventory of all the medications in the house;
- Avoid unnecessary purchases;
- Prevent drug intoxications;
- Reduce the risk of medication errors.
Many people have to go to the emergency room, see a doctor or be hospitalized every year because of misuse of their medication. Getting into the habit of regularly cleaning out your medicine cabinet is the best way to prevent such unpleasant surprises!
What are the risks of using expired medication?
Whether over-the-counter or prescription, your medications should never be used after their expiration date. Not only do expired drugs lose their effectiveness, they can also become potentially dangerous to your health. For this reason, it is crucial to regularly check the expiration dates of your medications and dispose of them safely by returning them to the pharmacy. Also, get rid of any unidentified medications that may be misused.
How often should you clean out your medications?
The ideal frequency depends not only on your preferences, but also on how you use your medication. You'll probably have to clean out your medications more often if you take several and your medication regimen is complex. In any case, pharmacists generally recommend cleaning out your medicine cabinet at least once or twice a year, and ideally every change of season.
How do I dispose of expired medication?
The best way to dispose of your expired medications is to return them to your pharmacy counter to be recycled or destroyed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner by specialized companies. This expired medication recovery service is offered free of charge at all Jean Coutu pharmacies in Canada.
You can take any type of medication to the prescription counter, including:
- Prescription medications;
- Over-the-counter medications (OTC);
- Antibiotics;
- Natural health products.
Where to take used/unused syringes?
Your pharmacist can also provide you, free of charge, with a special container for the safe collection of intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular medications, as well as the syringes and needles used to inject them. Then simply return the container the next time you visit the pharmacy.
How do I store my medications?
There is no single rule for storing medications. Some need to be stored at room temperature or within a certain temperature range, others in the refrigerator. Sometimes you'll have to throw away a product after it's been opened or diluted. Your pharmacist can advise you on how to store your medication.
Here are a few tips to ensure optimal storage of your medications:
- Keep all medications out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
- Although it may seem counter-intuitive, do not store your medications in the bathroom: it's the worst place to keep them, given the humidity and temperature variations.
- Store your medication in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep your medication in their original containers.
- Never put different medications in the same container, unless you're using a pill dispenser. Carrying or storing several drugs in the same bottle can increase the risk of confusion, and therefore of medication errors.
- Above all, never throw your medications in the garbage can, toilet or sink, as they can be harmful to the environment.
- Always return your unused or expired medications to the pharmacy. The laboratory staff will dispose of your old medications in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
A well-organized medicine cabinet, free of superfluous products, makes life easier and helps avoid mistakes or unfortunate incidents. Just one more simple and affordable way to take good care of your health! For more information on the safe and optimal use of medications, talk to your pharmacist!
It's always a good idea to return expired medication to the pharmacy!
Like food or cosmetic products, your prescription or over-the-counter medications have an expiration date that should be followed and respected. Make your home safer by entrusting your expired medicines and used syringes to your pharmacist, free of charge. Pharmacy specialists will take care of the rest!
Wondering if some of your medications are still good? Not sure how to store them? Would you like to optimize the contents of your medicine cabinet? Ask your pharmacist for advice!
