Primatene Mist or Tablets
"Primatene Mist does not treat asthma—it treats symptoms that can come from asthma," Kyle Hogarth, MD
Treating the symptoms of asthma alone allows repeated asthma attacks. That can permanently damage lungs. The underlying cause of the asthma needs treatment. Primatene Mist or tablets do not solve the problem. They make it worse by not treating the condition. LINK
Mercurochrome
Mercury Thermometers
The EPA "encourages consumers, businesses and other organizations to use non-mercury thermometers whenever possible." Mercury thermometers have been being phased out as well. Why? For the same reason as above. Mercury is just not a good thing to have around. LINK
Expired Medications
Most medications lose their potency after their expiration date and are harmless... but some medications actually become toxic after they expire (Tetracycline). Be sure to check with your local pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your old medication. As tempting as it may be, keeping those extra capsules of Amoxicillin from 1986 will not help you in the future. LINK and LINK
Anything recommended by Dr. Oz
Oz is often accused of promoting "unproven nostrums" and making "misleading claims." Nothing sends your pharmacist into orbit faster than when you ask for something recommended by Dr. Oz. LINK
More Good Advice:
* Don't rely on child-proof packaging to protect your kids
* Never prepare and/or take/give medication in the dark
* Never leave any vitamins, aspirin, or any medication on kitchen tables or counter tops, bedside tables, or dresser tops
* Don't tell a child that medicine tastes like candy
* Store all medications out of reach of children and preferably in a locked cabinet
* Make sure and purses or bags in your home that could contain anything poisonous are kept out of the reach of kids at all times
* Always keep medication and liquids in original containers.
* Be aware of all medications in your home -- keep a list
What about never storing medications (locked or not) in the bathroom)??
ReplyDeleteQuestion - for things I take infrequently - Zofran and Flexeril are two of them - is it okay to store them in the freezer? I mean, does it affect their effect?
ReplyDeleteLate to the party here, but these are all great reminders. Another one I have: if you are home alone with your illness/condition and are taking anything that could be mood altering or sedating, keep a pad of paper and a pencil by wherever you keep your meds and make a note every time you take something. There's nothing like being ill in the middle of the night to screw with your sense of time and make you think you can have another dose when you can't.
ReplyDelete