Is Your Medicine Cabinet Safe?
Many Canadian homes have expired medications, risky combinations, or improperly stored drugs. Work through these ten common questions — tap each one to see the pharmacist-backed answer.
Where is the worst place to store medications?
The bathroom is the worst spot
The bathroom has high heat and humidity from showers, which breaks down most medications faster. The "medicine cabinet" is actually the worst place for medicine. Store medications in a cool, dry place like a bedroom drawer or a kitchen cupboard away from the stove.
What to do — Move your medications out of the bathroom today.
How often should you check your medicine cabinet for expired drugs?
Every 6 months is recommended
Health Canada recommends checking your medications at least every 6 months. Expired medications may be less effective or, in rare cases, harmful. This matters most for antibiotics, liquid medications, and eye drops.
What to do — Set a reminder for January and July each year to check your meds.
Can grapefruit juice interact with prescription medications?
Yes — grapefruit is a serious medication risk
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in your gut, which can cause medication levels to spike. Affected drugs include statins (cholesterol), blood pressure medications, some immunosuppressants, and certain anti-anxiety drugs.
What to do — Always ask your pharmacist about food interactions when starting new meds.
You miss a dose of your daily medication — what should you do?
Take it when you remember — usually
For most medications, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Some medications (like blood thinners) have specific rules, so ask your pharmacist for a written plan.
What to do — Ask your pharmacist for a specific "missed dose" plan for each medication you take.
Which common pain reliever is safe to take with alcohol?
Neither is safe with alcohol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) plus alcohol can stress the liver. Ibuprofen (Advil) plus alcohol increases stomach-bleeding risk. Even moderate drinking adds to these risks. If you drink regularly, talk to your pharmacist about the safest pain relief option for you.
What to do — Avoid pain medications with alcohol. Ask your pharmacist for alternatives.
Children's medication dosing should be based on what?
Weight is the most accurate dosing method
A small four-year-old and a large four-year-old can need very different doses. Weight-based dosing is the most accurate and safest method for children. Relying on age ranges alone can lead to under-dosing (less effective) or over-dosing.
What to do — Ask your pharmacist to calculate the exact dose for your child's weight.
What should you do with insulin that has frozen?
Frozen insulin must be discarded
Insulin that freezes (below 0°C) loses its effectiveness permanently — even after thawing. This is a real risk in Calgary winters. Never leave insulin in your car overnight in winter, and do not store it against the back wall of the fridge where it can freeze.
What to do — In winter, carry insulin in an inside pocket close to your body when travelling.
Your prescription ran out and you can't get a doctor appointment — what now?
Your Alberta pharmacist can renew prescriptions
In Alberta, pharmacists can renew most ongoing prescriptions (except controlled substances) to bridge the gap until you see your doctor. This includes blood pressure meds, cholesterol medications, thyroid drugs, birth control, and most chronic medications.
What to do — Never stop a chronic medication suddenly. Your pharmacist can help same-day.
How should you dispose of unused medications?
Return medications to any pharmacy
All Canadian pharmacies accept unused medications for safe disposal. Flushing contaminates water systems, and garbage disposal risks accidental poisoning of children and pets. Bring everything — pills, patches, liquids, needles — to your local pharmacy.
What to do — Bring expired meds to Imagine Health next time you visit. We dispose of them safely.
Can vitamins and supplements interact with prescription medications?
Yes — natural does not mean risk-free
St. John's Wort can make birth control pills fail. Vitamin K interferes with blood thinners. Ginkgo biloba can increase bleeding risk. Iron blocks thyroid medication absorption. Always tell your pharmacist about every supplement and vitamin you take.
What to do — Bring your supplement bottles to your next pharmacy visit for a free interaction check.
Reviewed by Kelly Zhu, Pharmacist (Imagine Health Pharmacy). Book a free medication review to confirm what's right for the meds in your home.
Book a free medication review
A 15-minute review with our pharmacist covers storage, interactions, and disposal — and it's free for Alberta residents.