SAFE STORAGE

How and where should I store prescription painkillers?

Do you store your prescription opioids (or narcotics) and other medications in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom? You’re not alone – it’s a common practice, but storing your medications in an easily accessible place means they’re available for children, teens, or others to find and abuse.

Store them out of sight!

Keeping your prescription painkillers secure and out of sight can prevent them from falling into the hands of someone who wants to abuse them. It can also prevent someone in your house from accidentally taking the wrong medication. And when there are children and teens in the house, it’s best to keep them out of sight and out of reach.

Lock them up!

Storing your prescription painkillers and other medications in a lockbox, safe, or locked medicine cabinet is one of the most effective ways to prevent abuse or accidental use. Many companies offer lockable medication storage options.

Safely dispose of them!

Unused medications are a disaster waiting to be found. That’s why it’s vital to safely and properly dispose of unneeded and expired prescriptions. Please visit http://www.artakeback.org/ for more information on disposal locations near you.