• Keep all medications in their original containers with childproof lids attached.
• Mark out the patient’s name on the prescription container.
• Place liquids in a sealable plastic bag in case it leaks or breaks.
• Put all medications being disposed of in a sturdy container (for example, a plain brown box).
• Add a non-toxic but bad-tasting product like cayenne pepper to the container.
• Make this container the last thing you put in the garbage before pick-up.

Mark Your Calendar

Now that your medicine cabinet is clean and current, mark your calendar and plan to check it on a regular basis (quarterly or semi-annually).  Once you’ve done the first big cleanout and gotten rid of years' worth of old medicine, subsequent check-ups shouldn’t take much time at all.  And the health and safety of you and your family is certainly worth the time.

Sources:

“National Medicine Cabinet Safety Campaign.” Senior Living Magazine. November, 2000.

“Throw Away Your Old Medicines Safely.” Institute for Safe Medication Practices.  2004.

Last updated:  September 30, 2007