# Review and store medicines safely

Published by Pawel Jozefiak. [About this project](https://healthy100.jock.pl/about/), [How we check sources](https://healthy100.jock.pl/methodology/)

- Canonical: https://healthy100.jock.pl/use-and-store-medicines-safely/
- Language: en
- First published: 2026-09-27
- Evidence checked: 2026-09-28, using AI-assisted source verification
- Clinical review: Not clinically reviewed
- Number 51 of 100 in the list: https://healthy100.jock.pl/#use-and-store-medicines-safely

Clear instructions, a current medicine list and safe storage can prevent avoidable medication harm.

**The number:** More than 1.5 million US emergency visits yearly involve adverse drug events ([CDC, 2024](https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/about/index.html))

## The evidence

- Evidence grade: A. Grade A: meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis: CDC medication safety surveillance and prevention guidance
- Impact: 60/100. The impact score is an editorial prioritization heuristic for the general list, not a validated estimate of your personal risk.

## 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

1. Keep an up to date list of prescriptions, nonprescription medicines and supplements.
2. Review the list with a pharmacist or clinician, especially when something is added or changed.
3. Follow the label, use the supplied measuring device for liquid doses, and ask about unclear instructions.
4. Store medicines and supplements out of children's sight and reach, relock safety caps, and include visitors' bags in your routine.
5. Keep any recommended monitoring appointments and blood tests.

## Talk to a clinician first

Do not stop prescribed medicines without discussing it. Suspected poisoning or a serious reaction needs prompt help from local emergency or poison services.

## Putting it into practice

### Start now

- 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.

### What it looks like

- 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.

### Common mistakes

- A kitchen spoon is not a medicine measure, so ask your pharmacist for the appropriate measuring device.
- An unclear label is a reason to ask, so contact your pharmacist before guessing what it means.

### A structured start

**Make medicine use easier to check**

1. List everything you take, including medicines bought without a prescription.
2. Ask a pharmacist to check the list, instructions and any concerns; do not stop prescribed treatment yourself.
3. Review storage so children cannot see or reach medicines, including those in visitors' bags.
4. Keep the list updated when treatment changes and attend recommended monitoring.

### Trusted how-to guides

- [Medication Safety and Your Health](https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/about/index.html), CDC

## Sources

- [Medication Safety and Your Health](https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/about/index.html), CDC, 2024 (Tier 1 guideline)
- [Up and Away Campaign Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/medication-safety/php/toolkit/index.html), CDC, 2025 (Tier 1 guideline)

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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.

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Reuse: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/