The kitchen or bathroom is not safest place to keep medicines

MEDICINES stored in household bathroom and kitchen cabinets may be more harmful than helpful.

This is because the moisture and warmer temperatures in these rooms can change the quality of medicines, said the SelfMedication Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Smasa) in a statement recently.

Smasa has called on South Africans to read the labels on medicines to check how they need to be stored.

Some medicines have to be stored in a fridge, and others in cool dry places.

The association says incorrect storage of medication could lead to it being harmful.

Even the way people carry their medication when travelling could affect its qualities, such as storing it in a hot cubbyhole of a car.

Smasa represents and supports companies involved in healthcare products.

“The bathroom and kitchen is not ideal for medicine storage due to temperature and moisture fluctuations.

“It is better to store your medicine in a dedicated container, in a cool and dry place, like a bedroom cupboard.

“You should keep medicines together, so they’re easy to find in an emergency, in a location with good lighting, so you can read the labels clearly,” Smasa said in a statement, adding medication must be kept in its original container.

“In an aeroplane, keep medication in the original bottles in your carry-on luggage, along with a copy of all your prescriptions and a doctor’s note that lists your needs in case the airline, security or customs request it.” —