Review and store medicines safely
Clear instructions, a current medicine list and safe storage can prevent avoidable medication harm.
The number, drawn
More than 1.5 million US emergency visits yearly involve adverse drug events
Why it matters
Medicines can cause harm through side effects, interactions, dosing mistakes or accidental ingestion. CDC reports more than 1.5 million US emergency visits each year from adverse drug events. Not all are preventable, but reviewing use and keeping medicines out of children's reach address important avoidable risks.
How to do it
- Keep an up to date list of prescriptions, nonprescription medicines and supplements.
- Review the list with a pharmacist or clinician, especially when something is added or changed.
- Follow the label, use the supplied measuring device for liquid doses, and ask about unclear instructions.
- Store medicines and supplements out of children's sight and reach, relock safety caps, and include visitors' bags in your routine.
- Keep any recommended monitoring appointments and blood tests.
Do not stop prescribed medicines without discussing it. Suspected poisoning or a serious reaction needs prompt help from local emergency or poison services.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Think of any medicine instruction you are unsure about, such as timing or food, and prepare that question for your pharmacist.
5 minutes
Start a list of your medicines, vitamins and supplements; copy the names from the labels without changing how you take them.
15 minutes
Complete your medicine list and gather unclear instructions or possible side effects for a pharmacist review; include monitoring appointments.
30 minutes
Review your medicine list and storage with a trusted person; prepare questions for a pharmacist about labels, side effects and monitoring.
A plan
Make medicine use easier to check
- List everything you take, including medicines bought without a prescription.
- Ask a pharmacist to check the list, instructions and any concerns; do not stop prescribed treatment yourself.
- Review storage so children cannot see or reach medicines, including those in visitors' bags.
- Keep the list updated when treatment changes and attend recommended monitoring.
In real life
- Include vitamins, herbal products and medicines bought without a prescription in your medication list.
- After each use, close the safety cap and put the medicine out of children's sight and reach.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeA kitchen spoon is not a medicine measure, so ask your pharmacist for the appropriate measuring device.
- Common mistakeAn unclear label is a reason to ask, so contact your pharmacist before guessing what it means.
Trusted guides
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- CDC medication safety surveillance and prevention guidance
- The number
- More than 1.5 million US emergency visits yearly involve adverse drug events (CDC, 2024)
- Tier 1 guidelineMedication Safety and Your HealthCDC, 2024
- Tier 1 guidelineUp and Away Campaign ResourcesCDC, 2025
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.