A safe home is essential for your family’s health and well-being. Medications, while important for treating illnesses and managing chronic conditions, can pose serious risks when not stored or disposed of properly.
We consulted Bryan Kuhn, PharmD, a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist with Banner Health, for expert advice on medication safety. Dr. Kuhn emphasized the importance of securing medications to prevent accidents and misuse, and he shared practical tips for keeping your home safe.
If you suspect a child has ingested something harmful or have questions about medication, contact Banner Health’s Poison & Drug Information Center immediately. A trained nurse or pharmacist is available 24/7 at 800-222-1222. Assistance is offered in more than 150 languages.
How to secure medication
Medication safety isn’t just about locking cabinets. Curious children, forgetful routines and the risk of misuse highlight the importance of proper storage. Dr. Kuhn provided these key recommendations:
Preventing misuse
- Lock it up: Use a lockbox for medications, especially if you have teenagers or young adults at home. Dr. Kuhn noted, "Parents with older children or a history of drug use in the family should always prioritize locking medications away."
- Separate medications: If you share a medicine cabinet with a partner, store your medications in different locations to prevent mix-ups.
Avoiding accidental overdoses
- Don’t consolidate pills: While combining pills into one container may seem convenient, it can lead to dangerous mistakes. "Prescription strengths can vary between refills and mixing medications increases the risk of overdosing," Dr. Kuhn explained.
- Weekly pill boxes: If you use a pill organizer, handle one medication at a time to prevent errors.
Protecting children
- Child-proof lids aren’t foolproof: Dr. Kuhn cautioned, “No lid is truly child-proof. These are designed to slow kids down, not stop them completely.” Never let children play with empty pill bottles.
- Refrigerated medications: Keep liquid antibiotics and other refrigerated drugs out of reach. Store them on a high shelf and explain to children why they aren’t safe to drink.
When to get rid of medication
Unused or expired medications can pose risks, from accidental ingestion to misuse. Here's how to handle them:
- Unused medications: Resist the urge to save leftover medications “just in case.” Painkillers and other high-risk drugs are especially important to discard.
- Expired medications: While most expired drugs aren’t harmful, their effectiveness decreases over time. This can pose risks if you rely on them for critical symptoms.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: Even non-prescription medications can be dangerous when taken incorrectly. Store them securely and discard them when expired.
Safe disposal of medications
Disposing of medication responsibly prevents potential harm to others and protects the environment. Dr. Kuhn highlighted the best methods:
Local drop-off programs
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies have drop boxes for medications, though they often exclude needles and injectables.
- Fire stations: Some fire departments accept medications for disposal. Call ahead to confirm.
Mail-in services
- Use mail-in services for a convenient way to dispose of pills at home. Kits often include a bag with chemicals that neutralize the active ingredients. Be sure to follow all instructions.
What not to do
Dr. Kuhn warned, "Never flush medications or pour them down the sink. This can contaminate the water supply, as many treatment systems don’t filter out these substances."
Handling sharps
- Use a sharps container for needles and syringes. Follow disposal instructions on the container or contact a facility that can safely handle these items.
Always prepared: Poison center support
Whether it’s a scorpion sting, accidental poisoning or a question about first aid, Banner Health’s Poison & Drug Information Center is here to help. Reach them at 800-222-1222 for free, confidential assistance any time of day. For local calls in Arizona, dial 602-253-3334. With these tips, you can create a safer home environment for your family. Stay proactive and seek expert guidance whenever in doubt!
Recommended reading
- 12 Everyday Objects That Aren’t Safe for Babies and Toddlers
- 10 House Cleaning Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Fresh and Family Safe
- Lead Poisoning: Protect Your Family from This Avoidable Risk
