Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, require caution when used. And the Ministry of Health of Oman, through its official account on the site “Instagram”, has published some tips that should be taken into consideration.
What not to do
- Change medication doses or schedules without consulting your doctor
- Using a drug prescribed for someone else
- Crush or break pills or capsules unless directed by a doctor
- Use of expired medicines
what should be done
- Take the medicine as directed by your doctor and pharmacist
- Tell your doctor about all natural and pharmaceutical preparations you are taking
- Keep your prescriptions in one place so it’s easy to keep track of what you’re taking
- Write the treatment, method of use and dosage on the package
And in case you have a closet full of medicines at home and you are not sure which of these types has expired and needs to be disposed of, the Gulf Health Council has revealed, via its official account on the “Instagram” website, the period specified for the shelf life of each type of medicine after opening.
The Gulf Health Council has clarified that the validity of the tablets and capsules in the original packaging is mentioned on the packaging, but the validity of the packs that regulate the drugs extends for two months.
The validity of the liquid or syrup is 6 months from the date of opening, unless advised less, while the validity of the ointment or cream is between 3 and 6 months.
The Gulf Health Council has confirmed that the validity of the eye drops extends for one month from the date of opening, while noting that the drops / sprays for ears and nose have a validity date of 3 months from the date of opening.
For inhalers, the expiry date is indicated on the packaging.
How can medicines be stored correctly?
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Check the expiration date of the medicine
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Store the medicine in the original package:
Mainly store in the original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. It is very important to check the storage instructions in the package leaflet of the accompanying medicine.
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Below 25 ° C:
Some medicines should be stored in the refrigerator (below 25 ° C), unless the required refrigeration is between 2 ° C and 8 ° C.
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Adhere to suitable storage places:
When stored in the bathroom cabinet or in the car, medicines are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, which impair their effectiveness and may deteriorate before the expiration date.
