Safeguard Your Medications
On Tuesday, while I was at my doctor's office for a routine visit, the topic of medication security came up. If you're living with a chronic illness, or are a caregiver, you no doubt have or will develop a mini-pharmacy in your home over the course of your life. Whether it's your current supply of daily Medications, those used only during flares, drugs that caused an allergic reaction or just weren't effective; they all need to be properly stored and safeguarded.
So, where do you keep your medications? Right now, take a moment and look around your house or office, what do you see? Are prescription bottles lining your counter tops or in plain sight for anyone to see who walks in the door? Are they kept in your bathroom or medicine cabinet? On the nightstand? In your purse or pants pocket? Or, stuck between two cushions on the couch? Are they in your car? If they're in your car I want you to stop reading my blog right now, get off the couch and go get them .... go ahead, I'll wait!Now that you're back, and all kidding aside about the couch cushions (I hope), let's have a serious conversation about where to store your prescription medications and the proper disposal of your expired and unused supply. Managing a long-term illness can be very expensive. If you add up the cost of your medications (pills, patches, injections, topical ointments, analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, over the counter, etc.) for just the past few months, it can easily rival most mortgage payments. Prescription medications are a big investment and they should be properly safeguarded.
Safeguarding your medications could prevent an accidental overdose of a young child or poisoning of your pets. Establishing a ritual and properly storing your medications can reduce chances of you losing/misplacing them and even help avoid a potential theft. The high cost of your drugs can be exacerbated if you have to replace them due to theft or loss. In some cases involving pain meds (i.e., narcotics/opioids) you may be refused a replacement prescription without a police report documenting the theft. So for many reasons, it's absolutely crucial to take this matter seriously.
My Top Ten List
Let's get back to the conversation with my doctor. When I explained how I handled security of my medications, he just smiled and said "That's your FBI training!" and then we got sidetracked with self-defense training and dog stories!
Here's my top ten list:
- Don't leave medications and prescription bottles out on the counter; except for a daily/weekly pill case that can be easily disguised or strategically placed out of the way. This is especially important when service technicians, contractors, cleaning services, etc., are in your home. No one wants to assume the worst in a person; but, a casual comment about observing pill bottles on your counter can be shared with unknown parties, making your home a potential theft target.
- Do use a P.O. Box for receiving medications from mail order pharmacies; especially, if no one is home during the day. Don't want meds sitting on your doorstep.
- Don't store medications in the bathroom (humidity can degrade the product).
- Do lock in a safe (for unfilled prescription orders; not electronically filled).
- Do consider adding a deadbolt lock to a bedroom closet (or other applicable room) where you can store medications in a portable drawer/shelving unit.
- Don't leave filled prescriptions in your shopping cart as you shop (i.e., Walmart).
- Don't discuss your medications or therapies with people you don't know. What you think is an innocent conversation could be an attempt by someone to solicit information from you.
- Don't leave medications in your vehicle, even if it's parked in your driveway. If you're out running errands, "Oh, I'll just be 5 minutes!" Put the prescription in your purse or pocket and take it with you. Thieves are opportunists looking for unlocked cars, items in plain site.
- Do keep medications out of reach from children, pets and visiting grand kids. Now is a good time to consider adding a deadbolt to a bedroom/office closet or storage room.
- Don't tell people where you keep your medications! Do not advertise your security measures.
Generally speaking, it's a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings regardless of your health. But even more so when living with a chronic disease such as lupus or fibromyalgia. When you hurt all over, thinking about your third doctor appointment of the week, or trying to drum up the energy to buy groceries; you're not focusing on what's going on around you. Adding to the mix, having mobility issues such as walking with a cane or a wheelchair, you could be putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Be cautious of where you park. Is there enough lighting and do you have a clear path to the front door of the business. If you qualify for a handicap placard, it's a great tool to use.
How To Properly Dispose of Your Unused Medicines
Finally, it's just as important to properly dispose of your unused medications. Certain drugs can be thrown in the trash (when mixed with an unappealing substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter) or flushed down the toilet (only if specifically instructed to do so on labeling). Please visit the DEA website to locate drug disposal sites and drug take back programs. Some states have drop-off locations at your local police department or pharmacy.
Also, you can visit the FDA website for information on "Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines".
Also, you can visit the FDA website for information on "Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines".
Hope this was helpful and will encourage you to have a conversation with your doctor about the best way to safeguard your medications. Thanks for tuning in!!!
