As the weather turns warmer, we begin that annual ritual – spring cleaning. While you’re at it, don’t forget your medicine cabinet. It might surprise you what you’ll find.

Every over-the-counter medication has an expiry date stamped onto the label. Although an expiry date of two to three years is common, this date is only valid if the product seal is intact. Opened medications are susceptible to degradation by light and humidity, which reduces their best-before date to one year – as a general rule of thumb.

Similarly, prescription medications are only considered good for one year from the date of dispensing. Frequently applied products like a cream or eye-drops easily become contaminated and need more frequent replacement.

An annual clean out is just the thing to keep everything you have on hand in good working order for when you need it.

Simple steps to get you started

Step 1:
Check for expired medication 

• Dispose of expired medications and those you no longer require. Expired medications become ineffective and sometimes toxic.
• Keep medications in their original containers to avoid mix ups. It’s always safer to dispose what you’re unsure of than risk an adverse reaction.

Step 2:
Dispose medications safely 

• Take old medications to a Rexall™ family of pharmacies location for safe disposal. Flushing medicine down the toilet or throwing it in the trash pollutes our landfills and water supplies posing a risk for children and animals.
  

• Keep all medication out of reach of children and pets

• Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat and humidity – ironically, not your humid bathroom medicine cabinet. Refrigerate medications only when directed. Choose a high shelf in a bedroom or closet.

Step 4:
Create a medicine cabinet checklist 

• Stock up with essentials: decongestant (Sudafed), antihistamine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Gravol), loperamide (Imodium), cough syrup and lozenges
• First aid kit musts: antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, bandages, an instant cold pack, hydrocortisone cream, sterile gauze pads (non stick) and adhesive tape
• Restock your medicine cabinet and first aid kits with Rexall™ brand products for extra savings.

Just as spring cleaning is an annual event so should be cleaning out your medicine cabinet. Ask your Rexall™ pharmacist how to get the most benefit from your medications. H&L