5 Tips for Safely Purchasing, Taking and Storing Medications

Whether you take one prescription medication or several, it is imperative that you take proactive steps to correctly store and take your medicines.

For example, the following tips can help you to stay as healthy as possible and avoid any potential pill pitfalls:

Discuss Your Current Medications
Prior to starting any new medication, the National Institute on Aging advises that you speak with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider to go over things like allergies as well as if this new drug will interfere with anything else you are taking. To make this discussion as easy as possible, create a list of all drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you take and bring it with you to your appointment, as well as when you go to pick up your new medication from the pharmacy.

Make Sure You Understand When and How to Take Your Medications
It is also wise to ask plenty of questions about when and how to take your medications. Your doctor can answer these queries, as can your pharmacist. For instance, be sure you are clear on whether or not you should take the drug with food or on an empty stomach, and if it will interact with any other medications you may be taking. Also, if the instructions say something like “take four times a day,” ask if this means four times in 24 hours, or four times during the day.

Store Your Medicines Properly
When it comes to storing medications, not all drugs are created equally. Some need to be kept in the fridge while others need to be in a cool, dry place. No matter what temperature your medications require, all drugs must be stored away from children and pets. As Health.gov notes, a locked box, cabinet or closet is best, and because medicines can break down in damp and warm spots—like the kitchen or bathroom—it is best to avoid placing your bottles in a medicine cabinet next to the shower or on the counter behind the coffee maker.

Follow Instructions Exactly
Even if you know when and how to take your medications, there may be days when you forget a dose or are feeling better and are tempted to skip or halve a pill. For your health and safety, please do not double up on a missed dosage—call your doctor or pharmacist for advice on when to take the next pills. Also, resist the temptation to cut pills in half or alter your dosages; if it’s a time-released medication this could cause too much medicine to get into your system at once. If you are truly feeling better, make an appointment with your physician and discuss cutting back on the medication, but do so with his or her guidance.

A Few Words About Cost
In addition to health considerations associated with taking prescription medications, there are also financial risks involved. Depending on what type of health insurance plan you have, medications can be very pricey and can take a significant chunk out of your budget. If you are feeling discouraged by how much you have to pay for your medicines, feel free to shop around for a new plan. For example, depending on your age, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a solid choice. Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Parts A and B, which cover in- and out-patient care, as well as Part D, which is the prescription drug portion of Medicare. You may find that your out-of-pocket drug expenses go way down by switching to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Stay Healthy, Safe and Financially Savvy
When taken correctly, medications can help you to stay healthy and live a longer life. However, it is crucial that you exercise extreme caution with any and all medicines and supplements. By communicating with your medical team, asking specific questions, exercising proper storage techniques, and shopping around for a plan that won’t break the bank, you can rest assured you are doing everything you can to take your medications in the safest manner possible.


Whether you take one prescription medication or several, it is imperative that you take proactive steps to correctly store and take your medicines.

For example, the following tips can help you to stay as healthy as possible and avoid any potential pill pitfalls:

Discuss Your Current Medications
Prior to starting any new medication, the National Institute on Aging advises that you speak with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider to go over things like allergies as well as if this new drug will interfere with anything else you are taking. To make this discussion as easy as possible, create a list of all drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you take and bring it with you to your appointment, as well as when you go to pick up your new medication from the pharmacy.

Make Sure You Understand When and How to Take Your Medications
It is also wise to ask plenty of questions about when and how to take your medications. Your doctor can answer these queries, as can your pharmacist. For instance, be sure you are clear on whether or not you should take the drug with food or on an empty stomach, and if it will interact with any other medications you may be taking. Also, if the instructions say something like “take four times a day,” ask if this means four times in 24 hours, or four times during the day.

Store Your Medicines Properly
When it comes to storing medications, not all drugs are created equally. Some need to be kept in the fridge while others need to be in a cool, dry place. No matter what temperature your medications require, all drugs must be stored away from children and pets. As Health.gov notes, a locked box, cabinet or closet is best, and because medicines can break down in damp and warm spots—like the kitchen or bathroom—it is best to avoid placing your bottles in a medicine cabinet next to the shower or on the counter behind the coffee maker.

Follow Instructions Exactly
Even if you know when and how to take your medications, there may be days when you forget a dose or are feeling better and are tempted to skip or halve a pill. For your health and safety, please do not double up on a missed dosage—call your doctor or pharmacist for advice on when to take the next pills. Also, resist the temptation to cut pills in half or alter your dosages; if it’s a time-released medication this could cause too much medicine to get into your system at once. If you are truly feeling better, make an appointment with your physician and discuss cutting back on the medication, but do so with his or her guidance.

A Few Words About Cost
In addition to health considerations associated with taking prescription medications, there are also financial risks involved. Depending on what type of health insurance plan you have, medications can be very pricey and can take a significant chunk out of your budget. If you are feeling discouraged by how much you have to pay for your medicines, feel free to shop around for a new plan. For example, depending on your age, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a solid choice. Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Parts A and B, which cover in- and out-patient care, as well as Part D, which is the prescription drug portion of Medicare. You may find that your out-of-pocket drug expenses go way down by switching to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Stay Healthy, Safe and Financially Savvy
When taken correctly, medications can help you to stay healthy and live a longer life. However, it is crucial that you exercise extreme caution with any and all medicines and supplements. By communicating with your medical team, asking specific questions, exercising proper storage techniques, and shopping around for a plan that won’t break the bank, you can rest assured you are doing everything you can to take your medications in the safest manner possible.