Over the last few months, we have heard more and more media coverage on the abuse of pharmaceuticals. Although pharmaceuticals are necessary for many medical conditions and a large number of patients rely on them, there are also a large number of people who abuse them. When you have a supply of pharmaceuticals in your home, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are properly stored and that they stay out of the hands of those who do not need them, and may abuse them. Consider the following storage tips for your medication supply.
Keep record of your medications Inability to keep an accurate record of the medications you have on hand is one of the easiest ways to lose track of them. If you do not know how much of a specific medication you have, you are unable to identify if any have been taken. This may also cause you to refill prescriptions prematurely, which will raise flags with your medical provider and your pharmacist. Attempt to always be aware of the amount of medications you have. When you are finished taking one, store them in a safe place.
Purchase safety proof packaging Many medicine companies use a type of comparator sourcing, allowing them to provide you with child proof and safety packaging. These packages are harder to get into, which can drastically reduce improper use of them. Bottle packaging companies may use techniques such as blister packaging or strong clinical storage methods. The comparator sourcing is necessary for safe handling in the warehouse. Additionally, high speed blister packaging allows a large amount of product to be packaged effectively in a small amount of time.
Keep labels on all medications Removing labels can become confusing and lead to improper usage. Even if you are confident of your dosage and scheduling of a specific medication, it is best to leave the clinical label design and print on the package. You will never question what medication it is, and you will never overlook the dosage instructions. Also, if the medication falls into the wrong hands, you will have all of the needed information right in front of you. Comparator sourcing often includes detailed information on all medication packages. Several bottle packaging options include bar code printing for identification purposes, often used in the packaging of pharmaceuticals.
Always inspect new medications Pharmacies can make mistakes. These mistakes can be extremely harmful to your health. When refilling a prescription, always inspect the contents of the bottle filling. Although comparator sourcing reduces the amount of mistakes likely to happen, it is still possible. Ensure that your medication matches the description on the label and that it is what you are used to receiving.
Inquire any questions with the pharmacist If you have any concerns about the intent or side effects of a medication, consult with your pharmacist before taking it. If you are worried about the safe keeping of your medications, ask them for suggestions. If you are finished with a medication, return it to your pharmacist for safe handling. This ensures that it does not end up where it should not. If you notice any uncomfortable feelings or symptoms when taking a medication, immediately stop and consult with the pharmacist or your medical provider.
Drug therapy is a common treatment of many medical conditions symptoms. In 2010, doctors and pharmacies ordered or provided 2.6 billion prescription drugs during or after visits with physicians. Physicians only prescribe these medications if they believe they will be beneficial. However, in many cases, these medications end up in the wrong hands, and become the source of a drug abuse. Take the necessary safety precautions when taking medications and ensure that you are aware of the contents of your medication at all times.