Minding Your Medicine

Did you know that how you store your medications could reduce their effectiveness? Even if you take your medications exactly as directed, some drugs can be rendered useless or even dangerous if improperly stored.

For the best and safest results, never store your medications in the bathroom - the warm, humid environment can change the composition or effectiveness of some drugs. Instead, keep them in a dry, cool place, such as a bedroom or hall closet, or a high cabinet in the kitchen, farthest away from the stove (incidentally, spices should not be stored near the stove, either. They may not remain fresh or last as long).

Freshness is an important quality to maintain, especially with medications. Always be sure to check the dates on your prescription bottles. Throw them away when they expire, even if there is a lot left in the bottle. Some may become contaminated, such as eyedrops, which can then make the problem that you are trying to treat even worse. Still others, such as tetracycline, can break down over time and become exceedingly dangerous.

It’s probably a good idea to go through your "medicine cabinet" at least once a year to check for expired drugs. Throw away all medications that are even slightly past the expiration dates. Also, look for any pills that appear to be cracked, crumbly or sticky. All liquids, gels and creams should be soft, consistent, and non-discolored. Any containers that are punctured or cracked should be discarded. Eyedrops should be kept for no longer than six months, once they have been opened.