Medication needs to be stored in a safe and secure place. This is especially true for people who are on multiple medications. If you have a lot of medications to take, it can be difficult to keep track of them. You may also be worried about someone else finding your medications.
If you take a lot of medications or are taking care of someone who does, you should consider keeping your medication in a safe or lockable bag. This way, if you’re going to be away from them, you can still keep track of your medications and know that they’ll be safe from theft or misuse.
Why Lock Up Medication?
If you’re storing opioid medication for your own use, you should definitely keep it locked up to protect it from theft. Failing to do so could result in prescription medication being stolen and someone overdosing.
The 5 Best Ways To Keep Your Medication Safe
1. Use Lockable Medication Bags
You can buy lockable medication bags online. They come in different sizes, so you can buy one that’s just right for your needs. These bags are specialized for storing prescription medication so they come with a sturdy lock.
Locking medication bags are made of durable materials like nylon or vinyl. They’re also often made with a durable zipper that’s easy to open and close. This makes it easy to get to your medication when you need it, but also to lock it up in order to keep it safe and prevent theft or misuse.
2. Do Not Mix Prescription Medication in the Same Bottles
It is important to use only the appropriate medication bottles when storing medication. Do not combine different kinds of medication by putting them in the same pill bottle. This can cause harm not only for you but also for anyone else who chances upon your pill bottles. Imagine looking for a Tylenol and accidentally ingesting a strong dose of opioids.
3. Check Expiration Dates
Every now and then, it is a good idea to go over your medication cabinet or pill box to check the expiration dates on any medication you have on hand. This is usually not a problem with prescription medication because they get used up before they expire. For most over-the-counter medication you stock, you will need to do this regularly to prevent taking expired medication.
4. Do Not Use Damaged Medication
I get it. Some prescription medications can be quite expensive but that doesn’t mean you have to take a risk and take medication that appears damaged. If the seal on your pills appears damaged, do not take them. If your usual medication changed color, changed its smell or texture, do not take them even if the label indicates they have not expired. If pills have cracked, chipped or bent out of shape, do not take them. Err on the safe side.
5. Keep Medicine in a Cool and Dry Place Away from Moisture and Sunlight
Heat and moisture can cause chemical changes in your medication so keep them away from sources of moisture. Most people would store their medication in the bathroom but this is not recommended since it is a prime location for heat and moisture especially if you like taking hot showers. The kitchen is also not an ideal location for storing medication since there is heat and moisture produced from cooking.
The bedroom would easily be the best place for storing medication since you most likely regulate the temperature in the bedroom so it is cool and dry. You can also prevent the kids from gaining access to prescription medication by simply locking your bedroom. If you have a locking medication bag, as mentioned above, you add another layer of protection.
Conclusion
Keeping your medication safe is not rocket science. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be okay. Should you have any questions about your medication, your local pharmacist should be able to answer all your questions.