Monday, September 26, 2011

Simple Tips In Taking Care Of Your Medicine

Although some people don't really think much about where they store their medicines, but this can spell the difference between a good tablet and a bad one. Keep these in mind when storing your medicines and medical supplies at home.

OUT OF THE BATHROOM
If your medicine cabinet is in your bathroom, move it someplace else. Putting your medicine cabinet in the bathroom is not advisable for medicines and medical supplies such as band aids since it provides a humid and warm environment. This accelerates drug degradation and may reduce its potency. Store your medicines and medical supplies in a cool, dry place, such as in your room, instead.

KEEP IT IN THE ORIGINAL BOX
Pill boxes are very useful especially for patients who often forget to take their medicines. But it's still better to keep pills in their original packaging. There are medicines that are categorized as light or photo sensitive. These drugs degrade when exposed to sunlight and they should not be transferred to any other container such as pill boxes. The original packaging protects the drug from light, which plays an important role in the physical and chemical stability of a drug.

TAKE IT TO THE FRIDGE
If the label says so. If it is indicated on the label that it should be refrigerated or if it requires a temperature range of 8 to 15 Degrees Celsius, then you may store your medicines in the refrigerator. Exceeding the standard storage condition of a certain drug will increase its rate of decomposition and will lessen its efficacy.

CHECK THE LABELS
When in doubt, always follow the storage instructions on the label and keep them in their original bottles or blister packs, to make sure that the medicines do not go bad quickly.

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