Medication Safety at Home

Brought to you by COAST Ventura County and Ventura County Behavioral Health.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

Child-resistant doesn’t mean child-proof. Secure your prescription and over-the-counter medications, including medical cannabis, out-of-reach from young children as well as teens. Child-resistant packaging helps but is no guarantee of safety.

• Properly dispose of expired and unused medications

• Use special care with medications that look like candy

• Call your local Police Department for safe, confidential drop-off bins

LOCK UP AND SECURE YOUR MEDICATIONS

In Ventura County in 2016, 9% of 9th graders, 14% of 11th graders said they used Rx painkillers, tranquilizers or sedatives to get “high.”  Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative.

Don’t make it easy. Lock up your meds.

• Keep track of pill quantities

• Properly dispose of unused medications

• Block access to online pharmacies and drug sources

• Participate in county prescription drug take-back days

• Learn the facts on Rx drug abuse

• Talk about it

How Are Prescription Drugs Abused?

• Taking medication that has been prescribed for somebody else.

• Taking a drug in a way other than prescribed.

• Taking a medication to get high.

How can you keep your home safe?

Start with creating a routine for keeping your family medications secure and safe from children.

• Get involved in your community Prescription Drug Take-Back Days.

• Use the Ventura County’s Prescription Drug Disposal Program

• Consider buying a home Medicine Lock Box to secure your medications. Using a medicine lock box or locking cap can help keep your medication secure.

• Visit Medicine Safe for one example of home medicine lock boxes: http://medicinesafe.com/products/medicine-safe/ 

For more information, visit COAST Ventura County.