Proper drug storage is essential to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and those around you. This is especially important if you are taking multiple
medications and need to keep track of them all. Knowing how to store drugs correctly can help prevent misuse or accidental ingestion by children or pets. Here are
six important guidelines about proper drug storage that everyone should follow:
1. KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS IN THEIR ORIGINAL, LABELED CONTAINERS:
Using alternative storage containers can make it difficult to identify medications or keep track of expiration dates. Keeping medications in their original containers
also prevents accidental misuse and helps ensure that the correct dosage is taken. In addition, it's important to store all medications out of reach of children and
pets. Also, keep medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For example, a medicine cabinet in the bathroom or kitchen is a good option.
2. DISPOSE OF EXPIRED MEDICATIONS:
Expired medications can be less effective and even potentially harmful if taken, so it's important to regularly check expiration dates and get rid of any outdated
medications. The best way to dispose of old drugs is to take them to a drug collection site. If no such sites are available, mix the medication with something like
coffee grounds, put it in an opaque container, and then throw it away in your trash bin. Never flush expired medication down the toilet unless instructed by your
pharmacist or healthcare provider!
3. STORE DRUGS IN A COOL, DRY PLACE:
Extreme temperatures can cause medications to break down and become ineffective. To avoid this, keep all drugs away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
A medicine cabinet or drawer in the bathroom is an ideal spot for storing most drugs, but some require special storage conditions (more on that below). Different
medications should also be separated from one another to avoid confusion and stored differently. For example, if a
Several pharmacies have joined the inhaler recycling scheme in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, to support NHS England's Greener NHS programme, which aims
to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
It is part of a collaborative working initiative between the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and AstraZeneca UK Ltd, supported by the Black Country Integrated Care
Board and Wolverhampton City Local Pharmaceutical Committee.
Under this scheme, old and used inhalers are recycled and transformed into new products, such as coat hangers and waste bins.
Simon Evans, group chief strategy officer for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, emphasised the importance of prioritising the reduction of carbon footprint while
maintaining high-quality care, to protect the planet for future generations.
"The Trust has already made significant achievements in several areas including the physical estate, clinical services, waste recycling, catering and
medicines - with this inhaler recycling scheme from pharmacy being the latest string to our bow," he said.