Resources for Patients and Caregivers
All medications can be dangerous in the wrong hands and carry some level of risk to patients, families, caregivers and even pets. Help reduce the risks by learning more about medication safety and how to protect yourself and others.
"Any medication, including those you buy without a prescription, can cause harm if not taken as intended or taken by the wrong person."
Medications and Associated Risks
Unused medications pose many different risks, including:
Misuse
Medication misuse refers to using a medication in a way not intended by the prescriber. This can include taking too much medication, using someone else's prescription, or taking illicit pharmaceuticals. Even seemingly minor deviations from prescriber instructions can have serious health consequences.
Accidental poisonings
Poisoning is a significant problem in the United States and is the leading cause of unintentional injury death, surpassing motor vehicle crashes. (CDC)
Medication confusion
Polypharmacy is when you take several medications each day, often defined as five or more. Due to polypharmacy, the elderly are at increased risk of medication confusion.
Overdoses
Overdose deaths from opioids, synthetic opioids (ex. fentanyl), psychostimulants (ex. methamphetamine and cocaine) increased by over 15% in 2021 vs. 2020. (CDC)
Who’s at risk? Everyone!
Everyone with access to medications is at risk.
Children
Children are the most vulnerable age group for accidental medication poisonings. Pills and tablets can resemble candy, liquid medications may be flavored or brightly colored, and even pill organizers can look like fun toys, sparking a child’s curiosity. Always store medications securely out of reach and sight and reach of children, and dispose of unused medications promptly and safely.
Teenagers
Teenagers are often first exposed to opioids or other controlled substances after wisdom teeth removal or sports injuries. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to guide teens through safe medication use and maintain control of medications, dispensing them only as directed. Adolescent years are a time of experimentation, so it’s critical to keep prescription and over-the-counter medications securely locked away and take appropriate measures to prevent misuse.
Adults
Older adults are especially susceptible to adverse drug reactions because their bodies process medications differently than younger people. Many seniors also take multiple medications (polypharmacy), increasing the risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, and other complications. Caregivers play a crucial role in managing medications and minimizing risks for their loved ones, preventing unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations.
Pets
Even pets are at risk for medication misuse since they can easily chew through pill bottles. Pet medications often resemble human medications and are often left out in the open, where they can be taken by children or diverted. Keep all medications, including those for pets, securely stored and out of reach.
Be aware and be prepared
Patients and caregivers can reduce medication misuse risk with these helpful tips:
- Don’t take medications longer than needed.
- Don’t share your prescriptions with others.
- Don’t take someone else’s medications.
- Don’t take more than prescribed.
- Teach children not to play with medications, pill cases or containers.
- Store medications in original bottles away from children and pets.
- Always check the prescription label for name, dosage, and expiration to promptly dispose of anything expired.
- Secure all medications in a safe place.
- Always replace the locking cap and return medication to storage after administration.
- When medication is no longer needed, for example the dosage changes, medication was not tolerated, or it has expired, immediately dispose of remaining prescription.
Get in Contact
Reducing the risks associated with unused medications in the home is one way of helping to keep family members and friends safe. We are proud to partner with pharmacy and healthcare leaders, as well as community organizations, to help educate about the importance of prompt and proper medication disposal.
