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March 18, 2024—Spring is the season for a fresh start—and spring cleaning. If you're putting together your spring to-do list, make sure to include your medicine cabinet. Keeping your medications up-to-date and organized can help you stay healthy.

These tips from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Health.gov can help.

1. Update your med list

It's always a good idea to keep a list of all the medications and supplements you're taking. Spring cleaning is a good time to make sure your list is up-to-date. Make sure dosages match your current prescriptions, and remove any meds you're no longer taking.

Bring your updated list to your next doctor appointment, and take a few minutes to talk to your provider about it. It's an opportunity to:

• Make sure you understand what each medicine is for and how to take it correctly.
• Discuss any side effects or other concerns you have.
• Ask whether any changes are needed.

2. Clean out old or unneeded medicines.

First, use your updated meds list to find any medicines you no longer need. Then check the expiration dates on what's left.

If a drug is past its expiration date, it may not be safe to use, according to FDA. Keep in mind:

• The strength or chemical composition could have changed, which means it won't work as intended and could hurt you instead of helping.
• Some meds can grow bacteria after expiration, leading to a more serious sickness if you take them.

Make sure to dispose of old or unneeded medicines safely. According to FDA, you should first read and follow any disposal instructions that came with the medicine. The next best way to get rid of them is to find your nearest take-back location.

If a take-back program isn't available near you, FDA says to:

• Check the flush list to see if a medication is safe for flushing down the toilet or sink.
• Mix the meds with something undesirable, like dirt or cat litter, and seal it in a container. Toss that container out with the rest of your trash.

3. Get organized

To get the most out of your medicines, it's important to store them correctly and take them on time. If that's a challenge, spring cleaning is a great time to reset your routine.

Start with storage. For most meds, it's best to keep them in a cool, dry place. But be sure to check the instructions for each one you take—some may need to be refrigerated. Wherever you store your medicines, make sure they're out of reach of children.

To keep track of your med schedule, try these tips from the National Institute on Aging:

• Make a chart or calendar so you can see what to take and when.
• Fill a weekly pillbox with the medicines you'll need each day.
• Set timers on your phone to remind you when it's time to take your medicine.

Learn more about managing your meds

Find other tips for proper storage, what to ask your doctor and more in our Medications health topic center.

Sources

• Health.gov. "Use Medicines Safely." https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely#take-action-tab.
• National Council on Aging. "Medication Safety: 3 Tips for Decluttering Your Medication List." https://www.ncoa.org/article/medication-safety-3-tips-for-decluttering-your-medication-list.
• National Institute on Aging. "Taking Medications Safely as You Age." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Don't Be Tempted to Use Expired Drugs." https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines.