By Jaipriya Goff, Pharm.D., Director of Pharmacy, Los Alamos Medical Center
Many of us have relied on medications to feel better when we’re sick or injured. In fact, almost half of American adults have taken a prescription drug in the last month, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While these medications can help us heal, they can also be dangerous if misused. With National Prescription Drug Take Back Day approaching, it’s a perfect time to think about safe medication practices.
Medication Safety Tips
Unused medications can end up in the wrong hands, leading to harmful situations. A recent survey showed that nearly 40% of people who misused pain relievers got them from friends or family members. To help prevent this problem, here are some easy tips to follow:
- Use Medications Properly: Always take medications as directed. Never share them with anyone. Keep a list of all your medications, including those taken occasionally, and give a copy to a family member. This list should include the medication’s name, dosage, method of intake, and reason for taking it.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about side effects or drug interactions.
- Store Safely: Lock your medication bottles and store them out of reach of children and visitors. Each year, around 35,000 kids under 5 visit emergency rooms due to accidental medication overdoses.
- Dispose Responsibly: Never throw away or flush unused medications. This can lead to accidental poisoning, abuse, or contamination of water supplies. Instead, safely dispose of them using designated take-back programs.
Medication drop boxes are a quick and anonymous way to get rid of unwanted meds. Check out safe.pharmacy to find a drop box near you. Proper disposal not only keeps your home safe but also helps your community.
For more details on prescription drug use, visit the DEA, Get Smart About Drugs, and Just Think Twice.
For safe medication use resources, check out Consumer Med Safety.
No matter how often we use medications, practicing safety can help protect both ourselves and those around us.
