Ideal place – a dry and cool cabinet
A convenient and easily accessible place, such as a bathroom cabinet near the sink or a windowsill, is not the most suitable place for storing medicines.
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“This is a mistake many make; however, storing medicines in damp places can damage the stability of the medicines, just as storing pharmaceutical preparations near the oven or kitchen – heat can change the structure of the medicines,” explains T. Gečienė.
According to the pharmacist, medications should also not be stored on windowsills, as direct sunlight can cause chemical reactions in the medicines. The most suitable place for storing medicines at home is a cool, dry, dark cabinet, placed higher up so that children cannot reach it.
“If the medicine usage instructions indicate storing in the refrigerator, they should be placed on the top shelf – there the temperature is stable and not too low,” advises T. Gečienė.
Car or beach bag – not a place for storing medicines
The optimal temperature for storing pharmaceutical preparations should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius, so if you leave medicines in the car, handbag, or beach bag during summer, the outdoor temperature can be much higher.
Heat can break down the active ingredient of the medicine, change the consistency of the medicine, and also increase the risk of side effects.
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According to T. Gečienė, if it is necessary to have medicines with you – for example, insulin or allergy medicines – it is worth using a cooler bag or thermal insulated box. It will protect against heat and cold.
What to do with medicines no longer suitable for use?
Speaking about proper medication storage, the pharmacist advises not to throw away the medicine packaging and instruction leaflet, which contain precise storage conditions: shelf life after opening, temperature, protection from direct sunlight.
“I recommend keeping the original packaging, so you will always know the exact expiration date of the medicine, and the box itself will help protect the medicine from external factors,” says T. Gečienė.
The pharmacist advises regularly reviewing the home medicine cabinet – checking expiration dates and the condition of medicines. If the medicine has changed color or consistency, it is recommended not to use it and to bring it to the nearest pharmacy for disposal.
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