Medication safety is at the heart of good care.

This section focuses on practical guidance for using medications safely at home and in the community. Topics include proper storage, safe disposal, avoiding interactions, and recognizing signs that a medication regimen may need review.

These posts are written to support patients, caregivers, and healthcare partners with clear, approachable information that prioritizes safety, confidence, and peace of mind.

Medication Safety Blog Posts

The holidays bring families together in a special way. We share meals, catch up, and enjoy time that often feels too rare during busy seasons of life. These visits can also give us a quiet opportunity to notice how our loved ones are doing, especially if we have not seen them in a while.

One area that often gets overlooked is how someone is managing their medications. (There is no judgment in noticing!) Caring about someone’s well-being includes paying attention to the small things that keep them safe and healthy.

Small Signs That Can Tell a Big Story

  • Unopened medications or duplicates: If you see several bottles of the same drug or containers that look untouched, it might mean doses are being missed or refills are being picked up without being taken.

  • Expired medications: A quick glance in a medicine cabinet can reveal prescriptions that are months or even years past their expiration dates. This can happen when routines become too complex or when someone is unsure which medications they still need.

  • Confusion about schedules: If a loved one hesitates when asked when they take their medications, or if the schedule seems inconsistent or hard for them to explain, they might be struggling with timing.

  • Running out too early or too late: Finishing a medication early can mean a dose is being doubled by mistake. Still having lots left when it should be time to refill can mean doses are being skipped.

  • Changes in health or behavior: More dizziness, tiredness, or forgetfulness can sometimes relate to medication issues. Blood pressure and blood sugar checks can also help reveal if medications are being taken as intended.

  • Supplements can also be a hidden concern: Families sometimes find large baskets of vitamins or herbal products in a cabinet. These can carry their own risks because supplements vary in quality and can interact with prescription medications. If you notice an unusually large collection, it may be a sign that your loved one is trying to manage health concerns on their own and could benefit from a medication review.

How to Gently Start the Conversation

These talks can feel sensitive, so it helps to keep them simple and supportive.

A few examples:

  • “I noticed you have a few extra bottles here. How have you been feeling on this medication?”

  • “I am organizing my medicine cabinet at home. Do you want to go through yours together while I am here?”

  • “Is there anything that has been confusing or frustrating about your medications lately?”

The goal is not to correct. The goal is to understand.

Helpful Ways to Offer Support

If it seems like a loved one could use some help, here are a few simple steps that can make a big difference.

  • Check expiration dates together: Remove expired items and plan for safe disposal. (See April 2025 for helpful hints and disposal locations.)

  • Consider a medication organizer: Some people prefer weekly pill boxes. Others do better with larger containers if dexterity is an issue. The best system is the one they can use comfortably.

  • Encourage regular blood pressure or glucose checks: A simple home cuff or glucometer can provide important information and help identify problems early.

  • Ask if they want help with reminders: This could be a phone alarm, a printed schedule, or a simple routine like taking medications with breakfast.

  • Reach out for a medication review: If something feels off or if the regimen is complex, a pharmacist-led review can help check for safety issues, simplify routines, and answer questions.

One of the most loving things we can do during the holidays is check in, not check up. Small signs of medication trouble can be easy to miss during the year, but family visits offer a natural chance to make sure the people we care about are safe, supported, and confident. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

With care,
Abigail Wright, BCGP BCPS CDP PharmD MS FASCP
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting

December 1, 2025: Home for the Holidays - Spotting Signs a Loved One May Need Help With Their Medications

Let’s be honest - some days are just a lot. Between work, family, appointments, and trying to get dinner on the table, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. And yes, even pharmacists have those days where they ask, Wait… did I take my meds this morning?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Taking medications consistently is one of the most important parts of managing your health - but also one of the hardest when life gets busy.

Here are a few real-world tips to help you stay on track:

Link it to a habit you already have: Think of something you do every single day without fail - like brushing your teeth, making coffee, or feeding the dog. Pair your medication with that habit, so it becomes part of your routine. (Personally, I take mine while brewing my morning coffee. That quiet moment in the kitchen has become my reminder - and it works!)

Set reminders that actually work for you: Some people love phone alarms. Others prefer sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or a text from a loved one. Find a reminder system that fits your personality and lifestyle - and don’t be afraid to get creative!

  • Use smartphone alarms with labels (ex: "Take BP med")

  • Try a medication reminder app or daily checklist

  • Leave yourself a note where you’ll see it (like your coffee mug!)

Use a pill organizer, even if you know your pills by heart: Pill organizers are one of the easiest tools for staying on track - and they also help you see right away if you missed a dose. There are even smart organizers that beep, flash, or send alerts if doses are missed.

Keep your medications where you can see them (safely!): Out of sight = out of mind. Store medications in a spot you check daily - like next to your breakfast bowl or next to your phone charger. Just make sure they’re out of reach of children or pets.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about simplifying your regimen: Sometimes, remembering to take your medications isn’t just about willpower - it’s about the plan itself. If you’re juggling multiple doses at different times of day, it might be time to look at options like:

  • Extended-release medications you take once a day

  • Combination medications (2 drugs in 1 pill)

  • Weekly or monthly injections for certain conditions

  • Deprescribing meds that are no longer needed

A full medication review can uncover ways to simplify your routine without sacrificing safety or results.

This past month has been a whirlwind for me too - and it’s a good reminder that even healthcare providers need structure and support to stay on track. If you’re struggling to remember your medications, you’re not alone - and there are real solutions out there.

If you think your current medication plan might be more complicated than it needs to be, I’d love to help. A personalized review can uncover safer, easier ways to manage your meds - and free up a little more brain space for everything else on your plate.

Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh BCGP PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting

August 1, 2025: Remembering to Take Your Medications When Life Is Nonstop

if your insulin bottle starts to look cloudy like this, it’s

definitely time to call your pharmacy!

Hurricane season is here, and with it comes the possibility of power outages. Most of us know to stock up on flashlights, food, and bottled water - but for people who take insulin, having a plan for your medication is just as important.

As a pharmacist, I’ve talked to many patients who weren’t sure what to do with their insulin when the fridge goes out. So let’s walk through a few simple steps to help keep you safe - and your insulin effective - if the power goes out.

Why Storage Matters for Insulin: Insulin is sensitive to temperature. If it gets too warm or too cold, it may not work as well. That’s why most insulin should be stored in the fridge - between 36-46°F - until it’s opened.

But here’s the good news: Once opened, most insulin can stay at room temperature for up to 28 days, depending on the type. That means if the power goes out, you may still be able to use your insulin safely - as long as you know when it came out of the fridge and when to throw it away.

What To Do If the Power Goes Out

1. Keep It Cool, If You Can

  • Move your insulin into a cooler with ice packs.

  • Don’t let it freeze - frozen insulin is not safe to use.

2. Track the Time

  • Write down the date and time it was removed from the fridge.

  • Check the expiration at room temperature - for most insulins, that’s 28 days, but some brands may differ (some are 14 or 42 days).

  • Label the insulin with its new expiration date to stay on track.

3. Watch for Changes - Throw insulin away if:

  • It becomes cloudy (unless it's supposed to be)

  • You see clumps, strings, or color changes

  • It was frozen or left in extreme heat for too long

When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or prescriber before using it.

What If You Need a Replacement? If your insulin is no longer safe to use, there are resources to help:

  • Call your pharmacy - many local and chain pharmacies can send a refill to a nearby store or help replace lost medications. Visit Rx Open to find open pharmacies in disaster areas.

  • Contact your prescriber - they can send a new prescription to a different location if needed.

  • Reach out to insulin manufacturers - Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi all have patient assistance programs and may help during emergencies. Their phone numbers can be found at the FDA Website.

  • Call 211 or your county emergency services for local help with medication access after a storm. Phone numbers for emergency diabetes help can be found at the CDC website.

Plan ahead - Build a small emergency kit with:

  • 1-2 weeks of insulin (kept refrigerated until needed)

  • Syringes, pens, or pump supplies

  • Glucometer/test strips or CGM supplies, plus alcohol swabs

  • Diabetes friendly snacks

  • Ice packs and an insulated cooler bag

  • A printed medication list and emergency contacts

Insulin is life-saving, but only if it’s stored and used safely. Knowing the room temperature rules, having a cooler ready, and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in a storm.

If you ever have questions about storing or replacing your insulin after a power outage, I’m here to help.

Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD BCGP MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting

June 1, 2025: Hurricane Season & Insulin

- What to Do When the Power Goes Out

Have you ever cleaned out your medicine cabinet and thought, What am I supposed to do with all these old bottles? You’re not alone! Many people aren’t sure how to properly throw away expired or leftover medications. Some might even think flushing them is the best option (spoiler: it’s not!).

With National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on Saturday, April 26, now is the perfect time to talk about safe medication disposal - why it matters, what NOT to do, and the best ways to clear out your cabinet.

Why It’s Important to Get Rid of Old Medications

Keeping old medications around may not seem like a big deal, but they can actually be dangerous: Kids and pets get into everything – some medications look like candy and curious little hands (or paws) might find them. Also, pain medications, sedatives, and other prescriptions could be taken by someone who shouldn’t have them. Many of us were told to flush medications in the past, but flushing can harm the environment. So, what is the safest way to say goodbye to old medications?

DEA Take Back Day: Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts Take Back Day, where you can safely drop off unused or expired medications - no questions asked! The next Take Back Day is on Saturday, April 26, 2025. You can find a drop-off site near you on the DEA Take Back Day website. (The best part? It’s free!)

Use a Pharmacy or Police Station Drop-Off Box: If you can’t make it to Take Back Day, many pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations have year-round medication disposal bins. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they accept old medications.

Safe At-Home Disposal: If a take-back site isn’t an option, you can safely dispose of most medications at home. Do not flush medications unless the label specifically says it’s okay. Also don’t throw loose pills in the trash where kids or pets might find them. Instead, follow these simple steps:

  1. Mix the medication with something unappealing – like used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or dirt. This makes it less tempting for anyone who might come across it.

  2. Put the mixture in a sealed bag or container to prevent leaks.

  3. Throw the sealed container in your household trash.

  4. Scratch out or remove your personal info from prescription bottles before recycling or tossing them.

Taking a few minutes to safely dispose of old medications can help protect your family, your community, and the environment. If you have any questions about medication disposal, feel free to ask - I’m always happy to help!

Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting

April 1, 2025: Safely Disposing of Medications

Thankfully this is an antique bottle - but if your medicine in your cabinet looks like this… it’s time to throw it away!

If you’ve ever opened your medicine cabinet and found a bottle of pain relievers that expired two years ago or a prescription label so faded you couldn’t read it, you’re not alone. Storing medications properly is something many people don’t think about - but it makes a huge difference in keeping them safe and effective. As a pharmacist (and a mom who loves a good organizational project), I know how easy it is for medicine bottles to pile up in the wrong places - like the bathroom cabinet, kitchen counter, or even random drawers.

Over the years, I’ve answered a lot of questions about medication storage. Patients ask me things like, “Can I keep my medicine in the fridge?” or “Is it okay to store pills in a daily pillbox?” (Spoiler: It depends!) The truth is, improper storage can cause medications to break down, making them less effective - or even unsafe. But with a few simple habits, you can make sure your medications stay in good condition for as long as you need them.

1. Store Medications in a Cool, Dry Place

Despite the name, your medicine cabinet isn’t always the best place for medicine! The bathroom gets warm and humid, which can cause pills to break down faster. Instead, choose a cool, dry place like a kitchen cabinet. (Our medicine is stored on shelf in our pantry - this shelf is about 5 feet from the ground to prevent little fingers from grabbing anything.)

2. Keep Medications in Their Original Containers Until Needed

Prescription bottles are designed to protect medications from light, moisture, and contamination. They also have important details like dosage instructions and expiration dates. While pill organizers are helpful for weekly use, keep the original bottles nearby in case you need to check the label or drug information. (Also consider a colored pill organizer to help protect the medication from light.) If you need help organizing your pill box, I’d love to help!

3. Pay Attention to Temperature Guidelines

Most medications do fine at room temperature (68–77°F), but some require refrigeration. If a medication label says “store in the refrigerator,” make sure it stays there! (These temperature recommendations also apply to cars - Extreme heat or cold can damage medications.)

4. Keep Medications Away from Children and Pets

Kids and pets are naturally curious, and some medications look like candy (chewable vitamins, I’m looking at you!). Store medications in a locked cabinet or a high shelf where little hands - or paws - can’t reach them. This is especially important for you, grandparents! Storing your medications in a drawer might be easiest for your lifestyle, but your grandkids can be curious. If you ever suspect a child or pet has swallowed medication by accident, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.

5. Check Expiration Dates and Dispose of Old Medications

Over time, medications can lose their strength - or worse, become harmful. A good rule of thumb is to go through your medicine every few months and safely dispose of anything expired or no longer needed. (I’ll be covering proper medication disposal next month, so stay tuned!)

Storing medications correctly helps keep them safe and effective, reducing the risk of errors or spoiled medicine. If you’re ever unsure about how to store a specific medication, check the label, ask your pharmacist, or reach out - I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time,
Abigail Wright, RPh PharmD MS
Founder, Wright Geriatric Consulting

March 1, 2025: Safe Storage - Keeping Medications Secure and Effective at Home

Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general education and information only. It is not meant to replace advice from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about a specific medical condition or treatment. Do not ignore or delay getting professional advice because of something you read here. Wright Geriatric Consulting and Abigail Wright are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.