ASK THE PHARMACIST | How do I store my medicines correctly?

Medicine can be damaged by heat, air, light and moisture. It may become less effective or go bad before it expires.

It is therefore important to store it properly. Medication-storage instructions are stated on the packaging and in the leaflet. Your pharmacist may paste a sticker with special instructions or advise you if there are any specific storage requirements.

In general, instructions will state: store in a cool, dry place at or below 25°C.

Keep your medicine in a hygienic and clean area. Despite its name, the bathroom medicine cabinet is the worst place because it tends to be warm and damp. This will speed up a medication’s breakdown process.

The kitchen is also not ideal, but if you must keep your medicine there, make sure it is away from the stove, sink or any appliance which heats up when used. Choose a bedroom drawer or closet with a high shelf, out of reach of children and pets. Store your medicine out of sight.

Keep medicine in its original container which is specifically designed to keep the medicine stable, protecting it from light and humidity. (Some even have a child-safety cap.) This makes it easier to check the ingredients, usage instructions and expiry date. Store your medicines in one place so that they are easy to find in an emergency. If the container has a cotton wool ball, remove it as it attracts moisture once the container has been opened. However, leave the sachet with a drying agent, such as silica gel.

Never store medicines in the car, including the cubbyhole, as it gets too hot.

Some medications, such as insulin, antibiotic liquids, eye drops and creams, need to be kept in the fridge to maintain sterility, effectiveness or physical form. If the instructions say “keep refrigerated”, this means store at 2-8°C, ideally at 5°C.

Choose the middle of the fridge, pack it so it doesn’t touch the back or side of the fridge and keep it away from other products. Do not store medication on the top shelf or vegetable drawer as these areas are usually warmer. Make sure the medication is kept away from the freezer compartment or airflow vents to avoid the formation of ice crystals. Do not store it in the door, because it will be exposed to uneven temperature each time it is opened. Try not to open the fridge unnecessarily or keep the door open for long periods. Ensure that the medication is inaccessible to children.

If you use chronic medication that needs to be refrigerated, buy a thermometer and regularly check the temperature of your fridge, especially during long periods of power interruptions (which we know all too well).

Do not store all medication in the fridge. Medicines must be kept in conditions ideal to them; follow the instructions from the supplier, as stated in the leaflet.

If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.

Do you have a question for our pharmacist? E-mail: pharmacist@timeslive.co.za

Unfortunately, not every question can be published and our pharmacist cannot enter into private correspondence with readers. If your question is not published, keep an eye out for information that relates to the topic in future columns.

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