Storing your medications in a medicine cabinet seems like the best option, right? While it would seem the answer to this question is yes, it’s actually not the best place.
If your meds are stored in the bathroom inside a medicine cabinet, you may forget to take them. Plus, the bathroom is typically more humid than other rooms, which isn’t the best area for storing medicine.
The best way to store your medicine is in a decorative box kept out of reach of children, but in an area where you’ll see it every day.
Check out these key tips for effectively storing all of your medications.
Color Code the Labels
Color coding your prescription bottles is a great way to quickly identify your medicine. You can do this by adding colored stickers to the bottle lids. Or you can wrap colored rubber bands around the bottle lids. For example, the color red can stand for your blood pressure medication, and the color orange can stand for heart medicine. You could also color code by using specific colors for each family member.
Inventory Your Medicine
It’s a good idea to take an inventory of your medication every so often. This way, you can write down each medicine, who it is prescribed for, it’s purpose, and expiration dates. You can also get rid of any expired or unneeded medicine.
Dispose of all Medications Safely
If you do find a prescription past its expiration date, it’s time to dispose of it. You can either take expired medicine to an official drop-off location, like at some Walgreen’s. Or you can visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Website for a Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations.
You can even dispose of it yourself if you do so safely. Do this by emptying the medication into a resealable bag. Add in a handful of dirt (or anything that will make the medicine unusable), seal up the bag, and put it in the trash. Then scribble over your name and identifying information on the medicine bottle with a black marker and throw the bottle away.
Keep Medicine in a Cool, Dry Location
It’s best to store medicine in a dark, cool, and dry area. So, make sure after putting your medications inside a box to keep the box in place that won’t get hot and wet. Putting the box on a high shelf or inside an often-used drawer are the best options for storing your medications.
Lock Up Certain Medications
Remember to lock up certain medications, including pain, anxiety, and depression prescriptions. These medications can be addictive, and they also can potentially cause harm to those not directed by a doctor to take them. There are lock boxes specially made for these types of prescriptions.
Get a Pill Organizer for the Road
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When you need to head out for the day or even on vacation, get a pill organizer to help you track your meds. On-the-go pill boxes represent an easy way to remember to take your pills at specific times every day while you are away from home.
You can usually find pill organizers at your local Walmart or similar stores or online at sites like Amazon.com.
Source: One Good Thing by Jillee
