(TacticalNews.com) – Most of us have taken medications at some point in our lives, from prescriptions to over-the-counter pain relievers. In fact, right now nearly every American household has medication of some sort in it. Unfortunately, unless it is stored properly, medicine can go bad. In extreme cases, medicine can even become dangerous to take. With that in mind, where are the best places to store medication to keep it safe?
What Threatens Meds?
Heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and even the air we breathe can negatively affect medicine. That’s why it’s crucial to store meds in a dark, dry, and cool area to make them last as long as possible. However, keep in mind that temperatures that are too cold can also damage drugs. So, be sure to avoid storing your meds close to the cooling walls of your fridge.
At the same time, some medications, such as insulin, must be kept cool in order to prevent degradation. ThePatriotNurse demonstrates how to store perishable meds even if you don’t have access to a refrigerator:
Where to Store the Meds
It’s best to keep medications in their original container. However, moisture can still be an issue. It may be tempting to put cotton balls or similar items in your pill bottle but don’t do it, as they only attract moisture, rather than absorb it. Instead, place silica packs in your bottle to keep moisture at bay.
Many people make the mistake of storing medications in a bathroom cabinet. This is actually a terrible place due to moisture in the air from people showering, bathing, and washing their hands. A cool, dry, and dark area that is out of children’s reach is ideal.
Remember, your doctor or pharmacist can answer any questions you may have about storing a particular medication.
Chronic medical conditions can make prepping extremely difficult. However, it’s far from impossible, so be sure to check out how you or a loved one can prepare, even with a serious medical condition.
Did you know that where you store medicine could reduce its effectiveness, or even make it go bad? Did you find this information useful? Reply to your email and let us know, we would love to hear from you!
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