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The sun is shining, the birds are chirping but unfortunately a lot of homes are still covered with the dust and clutter from winter. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get prepped for spring and summer fun! While you’re spring cleaning this year, be sure to take the time to go through your medicine cabinet and remove any unnecessary or expired medications.
What Should You Look For?
Check Expiration Dates: Taking a medication that is slightly expired is unlikely to cause harm, but it is possible that it may not work as well. In general, it is best to acquire a new prescription if your medication is expired. In addition, if the appearance of the medication has changed this may be an indication of an expired product. If you have an injectable solution or oral suspension that has changed colors or consistency this might indicate a new prescription is needed.
Find Leftover Prescriptions: Leftover antibiotics and other prescription medications from a previous condition should be discarded. You should never attempt to treat yourself or anyone else with a prescription medicine. Although your symptoms might seem similar to an illness you had before, the cause could be different, or the medicine may not be the right one to use this time around.1
Where to Dispose of Medications
Many people will try to flush their medications down the toilet or crush their medicines before throwing them in the trash to try and be safe. However, this can be dangerous. Flushing can end up polluting our waters and crushing medicines can put trash handlers at risk of exposure if the drug were to encounter their skin or if they were to breathe in the dust. Medicine take back programs are the best way to dispose of unwanted medicine. Click here to locate a year-round authorized collector in your area.
How can Tria Health Help?
As a member of Tria Health, if you have questions about whether or not you should dispose of your existing medications, call us and one of our pharmacists can give you the professional guidance you need. in addition, if you take multiple medications or have a chronic condition, Tria provides one-on-one consultations with a clinical pharmacist who can assist you with your medication management.
Questions?
Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742
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