Health Tip: Store Medications Safely

(HealthDay News) — Storing medications properly can help preserve them and help keep them from getting into the wrong hands.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these medication-storage recommendations:

  • Follow storage instructions on the medication. Unless otherwise specified, keep them in a cool, dark and dry place.
  • Avoid leaving medications in your car, bathroom or near any source of water or dampness.
  • Refrigerate medications only if it says to do so on the label.
  • Make sure all medications are stored safely out of a child’s reach.
  • If using a pill organizer, make sure all medications are easily identified.
  • Keep medications in original containers with lids tightly closed; dispose of medications that are expired or those you no longer need.