How to Store and Dispose of Our Medicine

Medicines such as the medical supplies in Pennsylvania play a vital role in keeping our health. It’s also very important to store and dispose of them properly to get the best from them. Storing our medications safely and securely and disposing of all the unused or expired portions appropriately aid in avoiding possible abuse and accidental poisonings of kids and pets and safeguard our environment. Read on to know the appropriate ways of storing and disposing of our medicines:

• Storing Medicines Properly
  Medications whether over-the-counter or prescription medication should be placed in cool and dry places away from the light, like on closet shelves, dresser drawers, or kitchen cabinets. Putting medication in a bathroom cabinet may expose it to humidity and moisture, which results in the medicine being less effective. If ever we decide to store our medications in a kitchen cabinet, let’s ensure that they’re away from the sink and hot appliances because changes in temperature and humidity can have some effects on them. If young kids live with us or visit us frequently, let’s ensure the meds are out of their reach. We may add a lock as well.
• When to Dispose of Medicines
  We can check whether any of our medicines need to be discarded because they’re too old or not required anymore, and it’s often indicated on prescription bottles when to discard the medications. We can check the expiration date on the over-the-counter medications and sample medications, which are usually printed on the label. We can find the letters EXP, which can be stamped on the outside of the carton, the crimp of a tube, or at the bottom of the bottle. We normally see the expiration dates in these places. We may also request the pharmacy staff to help us locate the expiration date. For those meds whose expiration dates are not indicated, or we cannot find them, except if we know we bought them within the past year, it is recommended to throw them.
• How to Dispose of Medicines
  It’s highly recommended to dispose of medications that are not used, needed, or have expired in a way that safeguards our family, community, pets, and the environment. We may discard medications and other pharmaceutical products by bringing them to a drug take-back area. If there’s not one near us, we can mix the meds with substances that are not desirable, like dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter, and put them in a sealable plastic bag. Then put them in our trash. It’s also possible for some medications to be flushed down the toilet safely.

At Rapoport Pharmacy, we have top-quality medications and healthcare products you need to keep your health. Feel free to contact our retail pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.