Health Medicine management
Spring clean
your medicines
The start of a new year is an ideal time for decluttering, including giving your home medicine cabinet a good clear out
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the spring. And it isn’t just for houses either. If you take regular medication, it’s important to review your medicines at least once a year. And what better time than at the start of a new year? So if your medicine cabinet hasn’t had a clear-out lately, now’s a great time to take a good hard look at what’s lurking at the back. Having a well-stocked, up-to-date
medicine cabinet at home can make you prepared for common health ailments such as headaches, colds and flu. But if you keep several types of medicines at home – whether prescription or over-the-counter products (or both) – they need to be managed correctly. Here’s our quick guide to keeping your medicines safe and effective:
Step 1: make sure your medicines are stored properly Medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which means you should avoid putting them in a bathroom or kitchen cupboard where the air can be damp and hot. You should also keep your medicines out of the sight and reach of children, ideally in a cupboard or drawer that can be locked. Some medicines may also have to be
stored in the fridge, away from food (always read the label and ask your pharmacist for advice if you’re not sure where or how you should keep them).
16 All About health
Step 2: check the expiry dates Any medicines that are out of date or damaged should be returned to your local pharmacy for safe disposal (if possible, return them in their original packaging). Don’t flush them down the toilet or pour them down the sink, as it can harm the environment. It’s also important to remember that
prescription medicines cannot be recycled – even if you haven’t opened the package – which means you should never give them to anyone else to use. Again, take them to your pharmacy for disposal.
Step 3: manage your
prescription medicines If your prescription changes, take any remaining medicines from your old prescription to your local pharmacy, don’t keep them. Also make sure you don’t run out of your medicines by collecting your prescription in good time, rather than at the very last minute (always make sure you have enough if you take medicines on a daily basis). Ask your Careway pharmacist about
their repeat prescription service, where your pharmacist will order your prescription for you well in time before your current prescription runs out. You may even be able to have your prescription medication delivered direct to your front door (your pharmacist can tell you which services they offer).
Free medicines review
To help you get the most out of your prescription medicines, many Careway pharmacies in England offer a free medicines use review (MUR) service. This includes having a private chat with your pharmacist about the medicines you’re taking and gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your medicines and to find out how best to take them. Turn to page 13 for more
information on MURs and other pharmacy services or ask your local Careway pharmacy about the MUR service today (find your nearest participating pharmacy at
www.careway.co.uk/find-a-pharmacy).
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