Out of Date = Out of the Cabinet. Pay attention to expiration dates when you purchase medicines. All products have expiry dates – check yours today! Throw medications out when that date has passed, as some may lose strength over time and may not work as intended after they’ve expired.

Feel It, Smell It, Touch It. If a medication has changed colour, consistency or smell, it is best disposed of. If in doubt, throw it out!

Not for Sharing! Even if their symptoms are similar, it is unwise to share medications prescribed for you with others.

Keep It Cool. Medicine cabinets are often located in humid and hot bathrooms, which many medications do not tolerate well. The best place to store medicines is in a cool, dry environment out of a child’s reach – like on the top shelf of a linen closet. Refrigerate medication only if it says to do so on the label.

Retain the Container. Pills should be stored in the amber bottles in which they came to protect them from the potentially damaging effects of light.

Pill Power. Generally, the softer the pill, the shorter the shelf life. Pills with hard coatings tend to last longer than gel tablets or pills containing powder.

Bring ‘em Back. Pharmacies routinely accept your unused and outdated medications – both prescription and non-prescription – and dispose of them safely. Medicines should never be thrown in the garbage bin, where kids can get a hold of them, or poured down the drain or toilet, which can damage the environment.