Safe Storage Information

It is important to take medication as prescribed by your health care provider and as indicated on the label or packaging.

Always be sure to store medicine securely to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse by others, especially children. If you have expired or unwanted household medication, proper storage and disposal are easy.

To protect your family, pets, and community, follow these instructions for secure storage and safe disposal.

Use as Directed

Use medication as directed. If there are any specific instructions on the label, package, or package insert, please follow those. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare providers.

Store Securely

Follow storage instructions as provided on medicine labels and on the information accompanying medicine or sharps. Keep medication in a secure location safely away from people or pets that might come in contact with them.

Keep medications out of reach from pets. Dogs, cats, and other pets can easily ingest medications left within their reach. Always store medications securely, away from any areas accessible to pets.

Dispose Safely

Check your medicine cabinet and remove all expired and unwanted medication. If you do not know if a drug is still safe, check with your pharmacist. Count medication to keep track of amounts. Drop off or mail back expired or unwanted medications for safe disposal.

Please separate and remove any items and medication that are not accepted before disposing.

Do not place medicine in the trash or recycling and never flush them down the sink or toilet. The Washington Department of Health has determined that the Safe Medication Return Program is a readily available drug take back option.

To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicine.