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By Simar Bajaj
The New York Times
Many people have half-used creams, expired pills and an eclectic mix of medicines hiding behind the bathroom mirror or in a musty cupboard somewhere. But having the right basics can make it easier to treat symptoms at home.
Before you run out to your local pharmacy, though, take a quick inventory. “Rather than stocking our medicine cabinet, we should purge it,” said Dr. Sarah Nosal, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Start by emptying your medicine cabinet and sorting everything by expiration date. Then you can figure out what you actually need.
What should you throw out?
Many medicines retain their potency well beyond the printed expiration dates, said Lee Cantrell, director of the San Diego division of the California Poison Control System. But it’s still safest to follow the label.
So toss anything that’s already expired, as well as loose pills, unidentified bottles and medications from old doses or regimens. It’s especially important to get rid of any unfinished antibiotics, since taking them later without medical guidance may not treat your infection and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, Nosal said.
And dispose of old medicines properly. Many pharmacies and hospitals have Read Entire Article
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