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How should I store my medication?
How should I store my medication?

How to safely store medication

Chantal avatar
Written by Chantal
Updated over a year ago

Where you store your medicine can affect how well it works, so it's best to know how to store it correctly

Take care of your medicine

  • Know that heat, air, light, and moisture may damage your medicine

  • Store your medicines in a cool, dry place

  • If you are like most people, you probably store your medicine in a bathroom cabinet. But the heat and moisture from your shower, bath, and sink may damage your medicine

  • Pills and capsules are easily damaged by heat and moisture

  • Always keep medicine in its original container

  • Ask your pharmacist about any specific storage instructions, for instance insulin and inhalers

Keep children safe

  • Always store your medicine out of reach and out of sight of children

  • Store your medicine in a cabinet with a child latch or lock

Traveling with medicine

Do not keep medicine in the glove compartment of your car. Medicine can get too hot, cold, or wet there.

If you are taking an airplane, keep your medicine in your carry-on luggage. To help with security at the airport:

  • Keep medicine in the original bottles.

  • Ask your health care provider for a copy of all your prescriptions. You may need this in case you lose, run out, or damage your medicine.

  • If you have diabetes, ask your provider for a letter explaining that you have diabetes and providing a list of all your supplies. You are allowed to carry your medicine, blood glucose meter, and lancet device on a plane.

For information on how to dispose of medication, click the button below

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