Medication store tips:
§ Never
store medications in hot, humid areas like
bathrooms and cars
§ Never keep
medications past their expiration date
§ Always
keep medications away from children
§ Be
aware some medications must be refrigerated (ex. insulin)
§ Be
aware that some medications may require special handling (shake well, wear
gloves, etc)
§ Keep
nitroglycerin in its original glass bottle
Use Medications
Wisely:
§ Always follow the directions on the label
§ If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember,
unless it is close to your next dose
§ Never “double up” on your medications
§ Do not share your medications
§ Make sure you do not run out of your medications
Know your
Pharmacist:
Pharmacists at the VA are located throughout
the hospital and clinics. Pharmacists provide
patient care
in many ways.
Speak Up!
Be a part of your healthcare team!
Tell us about:
Allergies (food and drug).
Medications you are taking
including:
¨
Over-the-counter
medications
¨
Herbal or
weight loss products
¨
Vitamins or
dietary supplements
¨
Medications
provided outside the VA
Ask your pharmacist about anything! Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you do
not understand something about your healthcare!
Proper Disposal
Do not flush any medications down
the toilet or pour them down the drain unless you are told to
do so. Fentanyl patches are an example of a drug
that can be safely flushed down the toilet.
Getting rid of medications:
§ Call your county or local trash service. Many have
special waste facilities
that will take old medication.
that will take old medication.
§ Throw outdated and unused medication in the trash.
Add a strong spice like
cayenne pepper or some water mixed with kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
This will help keep animals and children from swallowing them. Put them inside a strong brown paper bag or cardboard box. Medications, especially those in patch form, can be placed in aluminum cans to prevent unwanted access.
cayenne pepper or some water mixed with kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
This will help keep animals and children from swallowing them. Put them inside a strong brown paper bag or cardboard box. Medications, especially those in patch form, can be placed in aluminum cans to prevent unwanted access.
by
Akshaya Srikanth
FIP-YPG Pictogram transilator
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