Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet
Spring is the perfect time to tidy up your home, including your medicine cabinet. The FDA recommends reviewing your medications twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall.
Here's how to do a safe and effective medication cleanout:
Check Your Medications: Review expiration dates on prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Discard anything expired or more than one year old. Toss medications that have changed color, smell, or texture. Get rid of anything in an unmarked or unidentifiable container.
Use Drug Takeback Options: Participate in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Check with your pharmacy or local law enforcement for permanent drop-off locations.
Dispose of Medications Safely: Do not flush medications unless they are on the FDA's Flush List. If no takeback option is available, mix medications (without crushing) with dirt, used coffee grounds, or kitty litter. Seal the mixture in a container or plastic bag and place it in the trash. Scratch out all personal information on prescription labels before discarding.
Store Medications Properly: Keep medications in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity. Store out of reach of children and pets.
A quick spring clean can go a long way in keeping your household safe and your medications up to date. For questions about medication safety or disposal, your pharmacist is a helpful resource.
(The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any conditions. Consult with your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.)