It’s time for spring cleaning!
Generally, we think about cleaning our windows, garage, clearing our closets, but we rarely think about our medicine cabinet. If you’re not using Pillway to help manage your medication routine, then it’s likely that you have old prescription bottles or medicine that are just collecting dust and may cause us more harm than we realize. It’s important to dispose of leftover and unused medications that can lead to misuse, addiction, poisoning, or death.
Here are some tips to help clean out your medicine cabinet safely.
Should it stay, or should it go?
Say goodbye to throwing away ‘old’, unused or unmarked medication. Pillway’s system keeps you on track (and helps you save money)!
But if you haven’t already switched to Pillway, then you’ll need to do an audit of your medicine cabinet. Take everything out and separate into piles: non-perishables (supplies like Band-Aids), expired medications, and non-expired medications.
Check the Dates:
To know if a medication is expired, check the label. Make sure to examine everything in the medicine cabinet, including ointments, supplements, and vitamins. Get rid of anything that is beyond the expiration date. Then, do a deep dive into the non-expired medications. Even though they are technically “safe” according to the expiration date, it’s a good idea to check the contents. Do they look chalky or different in appearance? Do they smell different? If so, it’s a good idea to dispose of it.
Ditch unmarked containers
If something isn’t in its original container, it might be a good idea to get rid of it. How do you know what it is, or isn’t? Even ointments can look like a regular cream.
How to dispose of medications?
It is not recommended to simply throw out medication or flush them down the toilet. Here are some ideas.
- Remove medications from their original containers. Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label. This will help protect your identity and the privacy of your personal health information.
- Place all medication in a sealable bag. If there are solid medications, add some water so they can dissolve. Add kitty litter, coffee grounds, sawdust, or any material that mixes well and makes it unappealing for children or animals to eat. Seal the bag and put it in the trash.
- You can return your unused and expired medications to any pharmacy in Canada any day of the year.
- Some municipalities and local police forces offer take-back programs. These programs provide safe and easy ways to dispose of unused and expired drugs and health products we have in our homes.
Why not do yourself a favour and avoid the hassle – save your time, money and (everyone’s) wellness and take a closer look at Pillway.
Pillway provides you with daily dose packaging, labelled by date and time, so it's easy to keep track of your medication regime. They also provide medication reminders; giving you that gentle nudge to take the right medicine at the right time. Who couldn’t use that feature, right?
For more information about Pillway visit at pillway.com.
