Spring has arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity for some refreshing spring cleaning. While many of us focus on tidying up our homes, tackling DIY projects, or finally crossing off tasks from our to-do lists, there's one often-neglected space that deserves our attention: the medicine cabinet.
If it's been more than six months since you last gave your medicine cabinet a thorough clean, now is the time to do it! Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process:
- Check Expiration Dates: Take a close look at the expiration dates of each medication. Over time, the potency of medications can change, potentially posing risks to your health if consumed beyond their expiration dates.
- Proper Storage: Ensure your medications are stored correctly. Opt for a cool, dry, and dark area for storage, as humidity and light exposure can degrade medicines more quickly. Avoid storing them in places like bathrooms or kitchens and consider using a lockable cabinet to prevent accidental access by young children.
- Safe Disposal: Safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Utilize approved collection locations, which can often be found at pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. Never flush medications down drains or toilets unless explicitly instructed to do so. If you're unable to access an approved collection site, you can dispose of most medicines in your household trash. Mix the medication with unappealing substances like kitty litter or used coffee grounds, seal it in a bag, and ensure all identifying information is removed from the container before disposal.
For more information on approved collection locations and safe medicine disposal practices, check out the resources available at the links below.
- https://www.tn.gov/opioids/education-and-prevention/prevention/safe-disposal-of-unwanted-medication.html#:~:text=Drop%20off%20your%20unused%20or,law%20enforcement%20offices%20or%20pharmacies.
- https://health.gov/news/201803/spring-clean-your-medicine-cabinet
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/takeback.html
- https://www.scripps.org/news_items/3037-6-tips-to-clean-out-your-medicine-cabinet