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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Pain Management

Home Storage

Patients should be educated on how to safely store their medications at home to prevent theft or accidental poisoning.

Store in a cool dry place
  • Kitchens and bathrooms are poor choices due to the humidity.
  • If there is cotton in the medication bottle, remove and throw the cotton away. The cotton can absorb moisture and affect the medication, once opened.
Lock up your medications
  • Lock medications within a safe, cabinet, or lockable box.
  • Store refrigerated medications in a lockable box, away from food items.
Do not share your medications with anyone else
  • Federal law prohibits the sharing of any prescription medication.
  • Don't share your medications, it's illegal!

Suggested Links

Storing your medicines Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Talk About Prescriptions Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov