Medicine safety
How to store medicines at home
Storage instructions are not the same for every medicine. Always follow the label and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
Start with the label
Check the pack for instructions about temperature, sunlight, moisture and refrigeration. Do not put a medicine in the refrigerator unless the label or your pharmacist tells you to.
Pick a safe place
- Keep medicines in their original packaging with the label attached.
- Choose a dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
- Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
- Keep different people’s medicines separate to avoid mix-ups.
Check the medicine before using it
Read the name and strength and check the expiry date. Ask a pharmacist before using anything that is damaged, leaking, discoloured, unlabelled or may have been stored incorrectly.
Expired or unwanted medicine
Do not save expired or unwanted medicine for later. Ask a local pharmacist how to dispose of it safely. Do not flush medicine unless its official instructions specifically say to do so.