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BE AWARE!

Do You Know What's Inside Your Medicine Chest?

Are the contents inside your medicine cabinet hazardous? Everyone should take time out of their busy schedules to poison proof their homes.

Taking the time to make sure medication is properly labeled can save lives. Talking to your pharmacist about the safest ways to store and use your medicines can also help prevent accidental poisonings.

To ensure that patients don't fall victim to accidental poisonings, try following these recommendations:

Clean out your medicine cabinet periodically and throw out all of the following:

Any medication that has changed color or formed a residue at the bottom of the bottle.
Medications that are expired or more than two years old.
Aspirin that is crumbly or gives off a vinegary odor.
Hydrogen peroxide that no longer bubbles when applied to skin or scalp.
Ointments that have separated or become discolored.
Leftover eyewash or eye drops (fungus growth may develop).

Each year throughout the world many medicines are taken improperly, and the majority of patients don't ask any questions about their prescriptions. Pharmacists could reduce these statistics. Most provide one-on-one consultations for patients with questions about their medications.

To prevent poisoning at home:

For Children:

Never refer to medication as candy.
Keep all medications safely out of children's reach. All cabinets, drawers and medicine cabinets
     should have childproof locks.
Use products with child-resistant packaging, especially medicines and household chemicals and
     close securely.
Store medicines and household products in their original containers -- never in cups or soft-drink
     bottles.

For senior adults:

Never mix medications in a single container. Some chemicals react with each other and neutralize
     the medicines or cause harmful side effect.
Keep your pharmacist informed about additions and deletions your medications to prevent hazardous
     drug interactions.
Categorize all your medications to prevent confusion. Talk to your community pharmacist about
     developing a medication management schedule.
Keep all medications out of the reach of your grandchildren.

Poison prevention tips regardless of age:

Never administer or take medications prescribed to someone else, even if the symptoms are similar.
Always turn on the lights before taking or giving any medications to ensure that you are able to
     identify medication properly.
In an emergency situation, call the National Poison Centre immediately at : Tel: 604-6570099,
     Fax: 604-6568417, e-mail: prnnet@prn.usm.my

- Excerpts from The FDA website -