Your Medicine Cabinet:
No Appointment Necessary

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, October 1, 2005

Show 225

Dr. Lisa Thornton:

You know, just about every family has one, a medicine cabinet so chock full you have to duck when you open the door. Here's some great advice to keep things organized and safe.

Lachell Wardell, PharmD:

Keep your family's medicine cabinet well-stocked, up-to-date and safe by giving it a checkup once a year. Do it the same week as your birthday, so you'll always remember.

First, review what you have. Read product labels and look for expiration or use-by dates. Throw out any expired medications and keep the medications you trash away from kids and pets. If you have any prescription antibiotics you didn't finish, or medicines you can't remember why you have them in the first place, throw them out. The same goes for bottles that have no labels and medicines that aren't in their original containers. It's just not worth the risk.

Next, look at your first-aid supplies and throw out anything that's discolored or in ripped or damaged packaging. Now that your medicine cabinet is cleaned out, it's time to restock. Put together a list of everything you need to keep your family healthy, and head out to your nearest pharmacy.