Aspirus: How to safely store medications

WISCONSIN – Aspirus Health recently provided information on safely storing medications.

Every year, approximately 35,000 young children are brought to the emergency room because they accidentally ingested medicine that was left within reach, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Medication safety is a critical concern for parents and caregivers, as even over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, especially those in gummy form, can be dangerous if taken incorrectly,” Aspirus said in a release. “Children’s curiosity can put them at risk, as they may mistake medications for something harmless.”

Stetson Potrykus, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident, stressed the importance of keeping them out of reach. 

“Medications and supplements should always be stored safely because children may think they’re candy, which can lead to accidental ingestion,” Potrykus said. 

To prevent accidental poisonings, Aspirus Health and the CDC recommend these key medication safety measures:

• Store medicines, vitamins and supplements out of reach and sight. Keep them in a high cabinet or a locked storage area, even between doses. 
• Never leave loose pills, medicine patches, creams, ointments or liquid medicines on a counter, table or bedside. Children can quickly get into things when adults aren’t looking. 
• Use child-resistant containers and always relock safety caps. If a medication has a locking cap, twist it until you can’t twist anymore or hear the “click.” 
• Be mindful of the medications you carry. Store medications in purses, bags, pockets or pill organizers where children cannot access them. 
• Teach children about medicine safety. Never refer to medicine as "candy," and make sure only adults administer it. 
• Remind guests to keep their medications secure. Visitors should store their medicines in a safe place when in a home with young children.

“When you're prescribed medications, the specific dose and strength are for you,” Potrykus added. “If ingested by children, it may cause dangerous side effects.” 

If a child accidentally ingests medicine or a supplement, act immediately by calling the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This free, 24/7 resource provides expert guidance on what to do next. 

“Aspirus Health encourages families to take proactive steps in securing medications and spreading awareness about safe storage habits,” Aspirus stated. “A few simple precautions can make all the difference in protecting children from accidental poisoning.”