BOSTON — Spring cleaning rituals are getting under way for many in Massachusetts — but does yours include a review of what's in your medicine cabinet?
A household inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications is a good safety precaution, according to CVS pharmacist Ericka Shepard.
"It's a great time of year to clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of all the old medications that you have, especially if you don't know what it is or what is was used for, and especially if it's past the expiration date, because some medications can actually be dangerous at that point," she said.
Even for prescriptions kept on hand for recurring issues, Shepard says, it's smart to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using them again. A newer medication may be available, or the dosage may need to be adjusted.
"Allergy medications are great example. It's that time of year — if you've got allergies and starting to feel those symptoms, it might be a good time to revisit those allergy medications, to make sure it's still the right drug and the right choice for you."
Shepard says pharmacists are glad to answer questions about medications. Drug safety information is also available at www.partnershipforhealthcare.org.
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