The safe storage and use of medication is important in reducing the risk of accidental poisoning, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Unintentional poisoning is the third most common reason children under the age of five are hospitalized,” said Minister Currie. “It is important that all Islanders take steps to ensure that medications are safely organized, securely stored and disposed of so kids are safe in their homes.”
“Children are very curious and, each year, many are harmed when they take medication that has been improperly stored at home,” said Erin MacKenzie, Executive Director of the PEI Pharmacists Association. “Even one pill can contain enough medication to seriously harm a child.”
It is also important that older adults understand the safe use of medication. As part of Pharmacy Awareness Week, March 4 to 9, 2012, the PEI Pharmacists Association and the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat are launching a new project promoting safe medication use for older adults and caregivers. Beginning this month, information on the safe use of medication will be shared with Islanders through a series of articles in PEI Seniors’ News, news media and social media channels.
“Medications can save lives and reduce the risk of health problems but they can also cause problems when not used properly, when they interact with over-the-counter drugs or when they are taken by accident by small children,” said Mary Hughes, Chairperson of the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat.
Here are some practical tips to help safeguard family members and young visitors to your home:
• Store all medications out of the reach of children preferably in a locked cabinet or drawer. Keeping medications under lock will also help to secure prescription medications from theft.
• Close containers as soon as you finish taking your medication. A properly closed container may prevent a young child from accidentally taking a medication.
• Store medications in a cool, dry place that is safe from humidity. Throw out the cotton plug in the medication container when you start a new prescription. The cotton can attract humidity which may damage medications and change their effectiveness.
• Keep medications in their original labeled container. Talk with your pharmacist for advice on systems to help you remember to take your medication at the right time.
• Be aware and read information sheets that are provided when you start a new medication.
• Dispose of outdated medications by returning them to your pharmacy or any Waste Watch Drop-Off Center for environmentally safe disposal.