How to Store Your Medicines at Home
Many people in Pakistan store their medicines in the wrong places like the kitchen, near windows, or even inside cars. These places can have heat, sunlight, or moisture, which can damage the medicine. Damaged or expired medicine may not work properly or can even be harmful.
In this blog, we’ll explain the best and safest ways to store your medicines at home, how to read expiry dates, and when to throw medicines away.
1. Why Proper Storage is Important
Medicines are made to be stored in certain conditions. If you do not store them correctly, the medicine can:
- Lose its power
- Change its color or smell
- Cause side effects
- Become unsafe to use
Just like food gets spoiled in heat, medicine can also get spoiled in hot or wet places.
2. Where You Should Not Keep Medicines
Avoid these common storage mistakes:
- Kitchen: Too much heat and moisture from cooking
- Bathroom: Steam from showers can damage tablets and syrups
- Near windows: Direct sunlight can affect medicine quality
- Inside cars: Especially in summer, the heat inside cars can spoil the medicine quickly
3. Best Places to Store Medicines
Follow these tips:
- Keep in a cool, dry place, like a drawer or cabinet
- Make sure children cannot reach them
- Use a small medicine box with a lid
- Keep away from sunlight and water
- Store liquids upright and tightly closed
Some medicines (like insulin or eye drops) need to be stored in the fridge. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
4. Always Check Expiry Dates
Before using any medicine, always look at the expiry date printed on the box or bottle.
- If expired, do not take it
- Do not give expired medicine to anyone else
- Remove expired medicines from your home regularly
Important: Expired medicines can become useless or harmful.
5. Don’t Mix Medicines Together
Many people keep loose tablets from different strips in one bottle or box. This is not safe. You may:
- Mix up medicines
- Take the wrong tablet
- Forget what medicine it is
Keep all medicines in their original packaging with labels. If a label is missing or unclear, ask your pharmacist.
6. Keep Medicines Away from Children
Always keep your medicines:
- In a high cabinet or drawer
- Inside a box with a lid or lock
- Away from food and toys
Children might think medicine is candy and accidentally take it, which can be very dangerous.
7. What to Do with Expired or Unused Medicines
Don’t throw medicines in the toilet or sink. This can harm the environment. Instead:
- Wrap tablets in paper and throw in a waste bin
- Pour syrups into a bag, seal it, and discard properly
- Or return old medicine to your local pharmacy if they accept it
Conclusion
Storing medicines properly is a small step, but it can make a big difference in your family’s health. At The Fine Store, we encourage all customers to take good care of their medicines and ask questions if they are unsure. We’re here to help you keep your home and your health safe.