In this post, we’re addressing an important project: clearing out the medicine cabinet.
There are three main questions to ask yourself as you assess each item in your medicine cabinet or closet:
If an item is expired — or even if it’s not and you wish to dispose of it — there are local guidelines in place to help you dispose of it properly. In the Chicago area, towns often have their own means of properly disposing of medicines and medical items, such as needles. It’s always best to check with your local government to find out which programs apply to your area. Your town’s website, police station, and local pharmacies are all good places to start. Additionally, this article from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provides an excellent overview of how and where to dispose of unused medications.
When you’re cleaning out your medicine cabinet, it’s the perfect time to determine if all your medications are safe to take together. First and foremost, consult with your physician for answers. This article from the FDA outlines helpful questions to keep in mind when talking to your doctor, including how certain drugs interact with each other and which foods and beverages to avoid when you’re on various medications.
At CMFTO, our top priority is making your life easier. We hope you’ve found this information helpful and that you’ll carve out some time to give your medicine cabinets (or your family members’) a check-up. Getting rid of expired medicine is just one way to help us all breathe a little easier.
All my best,
Claudia