Tim Talk
October 3, 2024
It’s time to ‘Marie Kondo’ that Medicine Cabinet
As the season changes to Fall, it’s a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Hanging on to medications you are no longer taking or that have expired can do more harm than good.
There’s no cost to return unused and expired meds to Brady’s Drug Store. Taking an expired drug isn’t necessarily dangerous but the drug’s effectiveness may be altered, which can impact your health outcomes.
Disposing of drugs also prevents misuse by others in your family, or even yourself, if you’ve forgotten what the medication is for. (One in 10 Ontario high school students have used prescription drugs recreationally. Source: Windsor-Essex Opioid & Substance Strategy). It also prevents you from reaching for the wrong pill in a cluttered medicine cabinet.
The environment will thank you to dispose of your drugs safely through your pharmacy. It’s a no-no to put them in the garbage, toilet, or down the sink where they can make their way into the water supply.
- Check expiration dates. All prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural health products have one. Throw out any prescriptions over one year old or any prescriptions you are no longer using. Eyedrops can have even shorter shelf life once they’re opened.
- Check the label. If you’re not sure what a pill is for or can no longer read the label it’s probably time to throw it away. Not sure? Just ask us.
- Consolidate. Once you’ve decided to get rid of a medication, the pharmacy staff will appreciate it if you take all pills out of their bottles and put them in a single plastic bag or container. Keep liquids, creams and inhalers in their original packaging.
- Store used needles safely. Ask your pharmacist for a special container to store used needles. Bring them to the pharmacy in this container.
- Remove or black out any personal identification from all medications to be returned in its original packaging.
- Take them to your pharmacy. IT’S FREE. We send expired medications away to be destroyed safely.
Remember, always consult a health professional before taking or ceasing to take a medication or making any decision regarding its use. Older meds that your pharmacist doesn’t think you’re taking could negatively interact with current prescriptions.
If you’re taking three or more drugs, you can meet with the pharmacist to review your prescriptions, over the counter medicines and supplements. Brady’s pharmacists can create a card which lists all your medications, along with dosages and frequency, which you can keep with you for health appointments. The pharmacist can also double check for potential drug interactions and discuss any side effects you may be experiencing.
It’s a good practice to go through your medication drawer at least once a year.
If you have questions about this article contact us at rx@bradysdrugstore.com
