HY 01/07: | Lehigh Valley Hospital

Take, store and dispose of them the right way!

To be sure, that prescription or over-the-counter drug you’re taking is designed to make you healthier. But watch what you’re doing. “If you use a medication inappropriately, it may do more harm than good,” says registered pharmacist Marissa McCormick of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Here’s what you should know:

Keep your doctor and pharmacist informed. Talk with your physician before starting any new medication, even if it’s a daily vitamin, and make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about everything you’re taking.

Finish your prescriptions. Even if you’re feeling better, don’t stop taking a prescribed medication until it’s all gone. You got that amount because you need it for proper treatment of your condition. Stopping early can lead to a relapse.

Store medications correctly. “Because steam and heat can affect drugs, avoid storing them in your bathroom or next to the stove or microwave,” McCormick says. The best choice is a cabinet or drawer that’s cool, dry and dark.

Don’t share. Your friend or relative may have the same ailment you did, but that doesn’t mean his physician will treat it the same way. Giving someone a medication that was prescribed for you can result in serious side effects.

Watch the expiration date. “A medication that’s expired may be less effective,” McCormick says. “It may even pose a health threat because of the chemical breakdown of the drug.”

Weed out the medicine cabinet. Remove outdated products, and don’t just toss them in the trash—it can lead to environmental contamination. Before heading to the pharmacy for a new prescription, go through your medications, collect any that have expired and bring them with you. “Drugstores like Health Spectrum pharmacies will dispose of them in protective packaging,” McCormick says.

Want to Know More about how to take your drugs safely? Click on the links in the column on the right side of this page.