GOUVERNEUR — Since National Poison Prevention Week kicked off Sunday, local Kinney Drugs pharmacists hope to prevent several common situations such as someone taking a medication prescribed for another person, a child getting into a medicine cabinet, or expired, sterile products becoming contaminated with bacteria, especially eye drops or liquids.
In addition, some expired or degraded drugs may give off toxic byproducts, potentially causing nausea, vomiting or other side effects.
In 2024, over two million poisonings were reported to the National Poison Data System, and about 80% were unintentional.
“Previously, law enforcement officials were required to sit in our stores to collect unwanted or expired medications. Now, we’re seeing many more people using our free and anonymous kiosks,” Kinney Drugs Vice President of Healthcare Operations Shannon Miller said in a press release.
Steps to dispose of unwanted medications safely and help prevent accidental poisoning:
— Clean out medicine cabinets and dispose of medications the right way. Unwanted or expired medications shouldn’t be thrown in the trash or flushed. Instead, use a medication collection kiosk at any Kinney Drugs. Kiosks are free, anonymous, safe and easy to use.
— Take medications exactly as directed and ask what to watch for. If something is new, confusing or you’re taking multiple medications, ask a pharmacist to help avoid mix-ups and drug interactions.
— Prevent double-dosing and mix-ups at home. Common causes of accidental poisoning include taking a medication twice, taking doses too close together, taking the wrong medication or dosing errors with liquids. Use a weekly pill organizer, set phone reminders, keep medicines in their original containers and use the dosing device that comes with the medication, not a kitchen spoon. If unsure whether you already took a dose, call your pharmacist before taking more.
“Accidental poisonings happen every day but are actually highly preventable. If you have old prescriptions or OTC medications sitting at home, that’s a risk. We want to help people safely get rid of them, so no one gets hurt,” Miller said.
GET HELP If a child, teen or adult may have been poisoned, call Poison Control 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.