How to store prescription medicines safely at home
A bathroom cabinet, bedside drawer or kitchen bench may seem like a convenient place to keep your medicines. But a suitable storage spot needs to meet the medicine’s temperature requirements and prevent children or pets from reaching it.
To store prescription medicines safely at home, start with the instructions on each label. Keep medicines in their original packaging, put them away after use, and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure about refrigeration or exposure to heat.
Check the storage instructions for each medicine
Medicines don’t all have the same storage requirements. A label may specify a temperature limit, protection from light, or refrigeration. Follow the instructions for the individual medicine rather than assuming everything belongs in the same cupboard.
Check the pharmacy label, outer packaging and Consumer Medicine Information leaflet, if one is available. If the instructions are missing or unclear, ask a pharmacist before choosing a storage location. Healthdirect explains how storage conditions affect medicines.
Choose a location away from heat and moisture
For medicines that don’t require refrigeration, choose a secure place that meets the temperature conditions on the label.
Avoid bathroom cabinets, where showers and baths create humidity. Also avoid windowsills and kitchen areas close to a cooktop or heat-producing appliance. Australia’s Return Unwanted Medicines program recommends a cool, dark location away from heat, with medicines kept beyond the reach of children and pets. Read its home storage guidance.
During hot weather, check whether your usual storage spot still meets the labelled requirements. A cupboard that feels comfortable in winter may become too warm in summer.
If a medicine has been exposed to excessive heat, floodwater or unsuitable conditions during a power outage, contact a pharmacist for advice about that specific medicine. Explain what happened and how long the exposure lasted. Queensland Health identifies these situations as possible causes of medicine damage.
Keep medicines in their original packaging
Keep medicines in the packaging supplied by the pharmacy, with the label attached and readable. This helps you identify the medicine, check who it was prescribed for, and find its directions and storage information.
Don’t transfer medicines into an unlabelled jar, food container or another person’s medicine bottle.
If you use a weekly pill organiser, ask a pharmacist whether your medicines are suitable for it. Some need to remain in their original packaging until use. A pharmacist can advise on an appropriate medicine organiser or packed dose aid. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia explains packaging and storage considerations.
Keep medicines out of children’s sight and reach
Use a locked cupboard or another secure storage space that children cannot access. Include non-prescription medicines, vitamins and supplements in your storage routine.
Child-resistant lids offer protection, but they aren’t childproof. Close containers properly and put medicines away immediately after each use.
Check places that are easy to overlook. A visitor’s handbag, an overnight bag or medicine left beside a bed can give a child access to tablets or liquids. Ask visitors to keep their medicines secure too. The Royal Children’s Hospital provides practical poisoning prevention advice.
Protect pets from accidental access
Keep both human and animal medicines in sealed containers where pets cannot reach them. Avoid leaving medicine on a bench or in an accessible bag.
Human medicines can be dangerous to animals. Don’t give your medicine to a pet unless a veterinarian has specifically directed you to do so. RSPCA Australia explains the risks of medicines in the home.
If you think your pet has swallowed human medicine, contact a veterinarian promptly. Keep the packaging available so you can identify the medicine. See the TGA’s advice on accidental medicine exposure in pets.
Refrigerate medicines only when instructed
Putting every medicine in the fridge isn’t a suitable storage rule. Refrigerate a medicine when its label or a pharmacist’s instructions require it.
For refrigerated medicines, follow the specified temperature range and instructions about freezing. Keep them secure from children, including children who can open the fridge.
Ask a pharmacist if you need help choosing a suitable fridge location or secure container. If the power fails, get advice about the particular medicine rather than guessing how long it can remain unrefrigerated.
Check expiry dates and remove unwanted medicines
Review your medicine storage area regularly. Look for expired medicines, unreadable labels, damaged packaging and medicines you no longer need.
Take expired or unwanted medicines to a participating community pharmacy for safe disposal through the Return Unwanted Medicines program. Tell the pharmacist what you are returning, as some medicines require special handling. Don’t dispose of medicines down the sink or toilet. The TGA explains how to return unwanted medicines safely.
