We’ve all heard how important it is to take medicines correctly, but their proper storage can be just as crucial. Medicines can lose their strength and will not work as well if they are exposed to too much moisture, heat or sunlight. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Contrary to popular belief, bathroom medicine cabinets are not good places to store medicines. Bathrooms are too warm and humid.
Some other tips for storing medicines:
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store medicines in child-proof containers.
- If a medicine needs to be kept cold, store it on the top shelf of the refrigerator, out of sight from children.
- Check the expiration dates often, and discard anything that is out of date.
If you have questions about the proper storage of medicines, please ask your child’s doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Shane Cross, PharmD, St. Jude Pharmaceutical Services
Adapted from St. Jude Parents Newsletter