Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
June is National Safety Month, a nationwide initiative focused on reducing preventable injuries — including those caused by medications at home. Medication errors send more than 700,000 Americans to emergency rooms each year, and many of these incidents involve drugs already in the household.
Whether your family manages one prescription or several, adopting simple safety habits can significantly reduce risk and protect everyone at home.
Why Do Medication Errors Happen So Often at Home?
Unlike hospitals or pharmacies, home medication use lacks built-in safety checks. There’s no second professional verifying doses or catching mistakes. Factors like busy routines, multiple caregivers, similar-looking packaging, and unclear instructions all increase the risk of error.
While “awareness alone eliminates the majority of risks” is slightly overstated, most medication errors are preventable with consistent safety practices and organization.
How Should Medications Be Stored Safely?
The bathroom medicine cabinet is actually one of the worst storage locations due to heat and humidity, which can degrade medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid) and nitroglycerin.
For most medications:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- Keep in original labeled containers
- Place out of reach and sight of children and pets
Exceptions include:
- Insulin (e.g., insulin glargine/Lantus)
- Certain liquid antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin suspension)
- Some eye drops These may require refrigeration—always follow label instructions.
What Is the Safest Way to Dispose of Unused Medications?
Unused medications—especially opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol—pose serious risks for misuse and accidental ingestion.
Best practices:
- Use authorized drug take-back programs (preferred)
- If unavailable, mix medications with coffee grounds or dirt, seal in a bag, and dispose in household trash
Some high-risk drugs (like certain opioids) may be flushed if labeled as such by the FDA—but this should be a last resort.
How Can Families Prevent Accidental Poisoning in Children?
Children under five are at the highest risk of accidental ingestion. Even small doses of adult medications can be dangerous, including:
- Blood pressure drugs like amlodipine or metoprolol
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Iron supplements
Prevention tips:
- Use locked cabinets whenever possible
- Always secure child-resistant caps immediately
- Avoid calling medicine “candy,” as it may make children more likely to seek it out on their own
Why You Should Never Share Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are tailored to an individual’s health profile, including kidney function, allergies, and other medications.
Sharing medications can be dangerous and illegal. Examples include:
- Antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin
- Anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan)
- ADHD medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Even if symptoms seem similar, improper use can delay diagnosis or cause serious side effects.
How Older Adults Can Reduce Polypharmacy Risks
Polypharmacy (taking 5+ medications) is common in adults over 65 and increases risks such as:
- Drug interactions
- Falls
- Confusion
- Hospitalization
To reduce risk:
- Maintain an updated medication list
- Use one pharmacy when possible
- Ask providers about deprescribing unnecessary medications
You may also want to mention the Beers Criteria (commonly used to identify high-risk meds in older adults)—this is a valuable addition for credibility.
What to Do in a Medication Emergency
If you suspect overdose or accidental ingestion:
- Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Call 911 for severe symptoms (breathing issues, seizures, unconsciousness)
Do not wait for symptoms—some drug effects are delayed. Having the medication bottle available helps responders act quickly.
How Medication Adherence Improves Safety and Health Outcomes
Medication safety isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it also includes taking medications correctly and consistently. Skipping medications like:
- Lisinopril (blood pressure)
- Metformin (diabetes)
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid) (thyroid)
can lead to serious health complications.
Cost is a major barrier to adherence. The RxLess® Assurance Plan helps address this by offering free digital discount coupons accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. By comparing real-time prices, patients may find lower-cost options for many generic medications, making it easier to stay on track with treatment.
