Expired Medication Storage Guidelines: Safely Handling Unused and Expired Medications
Importance of Proper Medication Storage
Proper storage of medications is crucial to ensure their safety and potency. The way you store your medications can make a significant difference in medication safety. Every year, two million people end up in the hospital due to drug-related injuries. This can include medication errors, adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions, or overdoses. Safe and secure storage of your prescription medicine can help avoid accidental injuries.What Happens to Medications After Expiration?
Understanding Expiration Dates and Storage Guidelines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires drug applicants to provide stability testing data with a proposed expiration date and storage conditions when they submit an application for FDA approval of their drug. When storage conditions for medications are not addressed in the original package insert, a pharmacist should be consulted to determine the appropriateness of alternative storage conditions, changes to the expiration date, and the stability of the medication.Best Practices for Storing Medications

- Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Keep medications in their original containers and label them with the date and medication name.
- Do not store medications in a bathroom or kitchen, where humidity and moisture can affect their potency.
- Do not store medications in a garage or shed, where temperature fluctuations can affect their potency.
- Keep medications out of reach of children and pets.
Expired Medication Disposal Guidelines

- Take-back programs: Many pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies offer take-back programs for expired medications.
- Home disposal: Follow the FDA flush list for medications that can be safely disposed of in the toilet, and use a biohazard bag or container for other medications.
- Community pharmacy disposal: Many community pharmacies offer free disposal services for expired medications.