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Managing your Medicines

Where to store your medicines

Store medicines in a safe, cool, dry place out of reach and site of children. The area should be free from moisture so avoid the bathroom or kitchens where possible, and instead choose a safe cabinet in the bedroom.

If possible, use a locked cabinet to provide extra security to protect your loved ones.

What Temperature to store your medicines

Most medicines are stored at room temperature below 25 degrees celcius

Only store medicines in the fridge if they state this is required. Fridge temperature is usually between 2-8 degrees celcius.

Do not store medicines in the freezer.

How to Dispose of medicines no longer needed

Medicines which are no longer needed, such as expired medicines or medicines which have been stopped, changed or if your course is complete, should be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

Medicines should never be disposed of in the bin or poured down the sink as this can be harmful to the environment, and there is a risk it could cause harm to some one else inadvertently, such as a child or a pet.

Empty Inhalers?

Some devices such as inhalers and aerosols contain harmful chemicals, even when empty, which can harm the environment. All empty inhaler devices should be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

High Risk Medicines

Some medicines, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, blood thinners, etc can cause significan harm if used by the wrong person. Your pharmacist will usually highlight medicines which are deemed as high risk. It is important to be aware of these and always store these, along with all other medicines out of reach and site of children to avoid harm.

You should always read the leaflet provided with your medicines to guide you on the safest way to use each medicine

Help with Health costs

The NHS provides help with health costs for those on multiple medicines, long term medical conditions or in reeipt of state benefits.

While most eligible people do not need to pay for NHS mediines, those that do can obtain Prepayment certificates help to reduce your cost of NHS medicines by paying a fixed fee monthly or yearly.

The links below will take you to the relevant NHS pages for further information on what help is available

Help with Health costs

NHS Pre-payment Certificates