Keep a current list of your medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and dietary/herbal supplements. Bring your up-to-date medicine list to all of your medical and pharmacy visits. [LINK TO FORM as Photo]
Keep opioids and all other medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Keep your medicines in a secure, preferably locked place.
Never give away or share your medicines with others.
Never mix pain medicines with alcohol, sleeping pills, or any illicit substance.
Review your medicines every six months and properly dispose of all expired, unused or unwanted medicines as soon as possible.
Take your medications as prescribed and only if needed, and never more than directed by your medical provider.
Don’t share your prescription pain medicine or other medications with anyone.
Don’t take anyone else’s prescription medication.
Keep track of your medication and count the number of pills in the bottle.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about the ingredients, warnings, directions, interaction with other medication or anything else having to do with your prescription.
Never crush pills unless you have been instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
Lock your prescription painkiller and other medications up securely.
Safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications.
If you take too large of a dose or accidentally take the wrong medication, call the poison control center immediately at 800-222-1222.
Storage and disposal tips
Keep prescription painkillers in their original labeled containers out of sight and out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.
Keep track of how many pills are left.
Having prescription painkillers in your home increases the risk that another person in your household might find them and misuse them, or take them accidentally.
Get rid of painkillers that you are no longer using safely. NEVER dispose by flushing down the toilet because it can harm the drinking water supply.