I got my coupon inserts today and they were covered in reminders that it is time to clean out the medicine cabinet. While the manufacturers are hoping that a lot of customers throw out expired items and run out to buy new products, their reminder is a good one. Cleaning out the medicine cabinet helps you avoid using expired products and it also is a good way for you to limit the number of potential dangerous drugs in your home. (Remember, just because it comes with a prescription doesn’t mean it is safe for someone who doesn’t have a prescription to take. Some teens raid their family medicine cabinets to get high, often with deadly consequences.)
Begin by removing everything from the cabinet. Sort all the expired medications into one pile, the unexpired medications you don’t take any more into another pile and everything you still want into a third pile. Put everything you still want back in the cabinet. Make a list of any expired medications you want to replace, as well as any other items you are running low on, like bandages or peroxide.
Dispose of all your unwanted medications properly. After the government realized the effect all those medications going down the drain has on our environment, it has changed the recommendation to flush old medication or pour it down the drain. Unless the medication is on the list of items that still should be flushed, you should follow the SMARxT Disposal Plan, which encourages people to put medications in a sealed plastic bag along with kitty litter or something else gross and put it in the trash.
Are you cleaning out your medicine cabinet this month?
Photo: SXC
Post from: Blisstree