Storing and Disposing of Medicines Safely

Heat, moisture, light, and unsafe access can all affect medicine storage. Follow each label and pharmacist instruction. Unless directed otherwise, keep medicines in their original containers, in a secure location away from children and pets, and outside a humid bathroom or hot vehicle.

Special storage deserves a plan

Refrigerated products, injections, patches, liquids, and medicines with protective packaging may have specific requirements. Ask what to do during a power outage, heat wave, flight, or shipping delay. Do not use a product that is damaged, expired, frozen when it should not be, or exposed outside its approved range without professional guidance.

Dispose—do not stockpile

Medicine take-back programs are generally the preferred option for unneeded medicines. If one is unavailable, follow current instructions from the relevant regulator or pharmacist; disposal advice can differ by product and location. Never share a prescription medicine with another person.

Further reading: MedlinePlus — Storing your medicines.