Safe Storage and Disposal of Medicines

How to store medicines safely

If medicines are not stored the right way, they may not work as well or even become harmful. Safe storage also decreases the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, or misuse.

Reminders for safe storage of medicines include:

• Keep medicines out of children’s sight and reach. Put medicines away after every use. Do not leave medicine on the counter or in a purse or backpack, even if it will be given again soon. This is especially important for hazardous drugs or controlled substances.
• Store medicines in their original, labeled containers. The label has important information such as the name of the medicine, dose, refills, and instructions. Never mix different medicines in one bottle. If using a pill box or medicine organizer, keep the original medicine containers too.
• Check the medicine label and follow storage instructions. Some medicines need to be refrigerated or kept out of light. If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist how the medicine should be stored.
• Store unrefrigerated medicines in a dry, cool place. Do not store medicine in the bathroom. Moisture and heat from showers, baths, and sinks may damage medicines. Safe places to store medicines include a shelf in a closet or in a kitchen cabinet away from the sink or stove.
• Store refrigerated medicines away from food. For medicines that need refrigeration, keep them in a refrigerator drawer or in a container in the refrigerator. Keep medicines at a constant temperature. Do not put medicine in or near the freezer.
• Do not keep medicines in the car. The car can get too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures may change or damage medicine. Carry medications with you when you get out of the car and make sure they remain secure. 

How to dispose of medicines safely

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider how to dispose of medicines. They may recommend different steps depending on the type of medicine. Follow your care team’s instructions for safe handling of hazardous drugs.

• Medicine return locations or drug take-back events: Many pharmacies and clinics have secure medicine return boxes where you can get rid of medicines. Drug take-back events may be offered in your local community.
• Clinical research medicine return: Patients who are part of clinical research should return all study medicines to the hospital pharmacy or clinical research team as instructed. Study medicines are closely counted and monitored as part of the research study.

How to dispose of medicines in household trash

For medicines that can be thrown away in the household trash, follow these steps:

1. Mix the medicine (pills or liquid) with an unappealing substance, such as cat litter, dirt, or coffee grounds.
2. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container.
3. Throw away the sealed container into a trash bin.
4. Scratch or mark out all personal information on the original prescription label on the medicine bottle. Then throw it away. 

Do NOT flush medicines in the toilet unless otherwise instructed. Medicines can get into the water system and make others sick or harm the environment. 

If you live in the United States, search for medicine return locations in your local area. You can also check the FDA’s Flush List.

When to dispose of medicines

Dispose of medicines when:

• There are broken pieces of medicine capsules or tablets. Throw these away immediately, as you will not be able to give the correct dose. Some medicines can even be harmful if they are cut or broken.
• They are expired. Check the expiration date on the medicine bottle. Expired medicines may not work as well or could be harmful.
• They have changed in color, smell, or consistency. Do not use medicines that have changed color, are crumbling, or have a new or bad smell. Do not use liquid medicines that have become cloudy or discolored, have thickened or changed in consistency, or have floating particles.
• They are no longer needed. Do not save unused or unwanted prescription medicines for later use. Do not keep leftover medicines from a past illness to use in the future. This includes antibiotics, pain medicine, cough syrup, or eye drops. Before taking any prescription medicine, see a health care provider to make sure the medicine is the correct type and dose. 

Questions to ask your care team

• How do I store this medicine? Does it need to be refrigerated or protected from light?
• Are there any special safety instructions for this medicine?
• What should I do if I did not follow the correct storage instructions?
• When does this medicine expire?
• What do I do with leftover or unused medicine?
• Can this medicine be thrown away in the trash?
• Are there any local “medicine take-back” locations?

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