Don't Ditch the Label: How Original Medication Containers Improve Safety
When you're admitted to a hospital, rehabilitation center, or other care facility, your healthcare team needs accurate information about every medication you take. Something as simple as keeping medications in their original pharmacy containers can help prevent delays, reduce errors, and ensure you receive the safest care possible.
I use a pill organizer at home. Why should I keep the original labeled medication bottles?
Pill organizers are a great way to help remember to take medications, but they don't replace the information found on the original pharmacy label which includes the medication name, strength, prescription number, prescribing provider, and directions for use. During a hospital stay, healthcare professionals often need this information to verify exactly what medications you are taking.
My medications are dispensed in a box with a label, why do I need to keep the box?
If your medications include inhalers, creams or other items dispensed in a box where the box is labeled and not the actual medication, be sure to keep the labeled box to ensure the instructions and date of the prescription are available.
Why can't I combine medications into a single bottle to save space?
Combining different medications into one bottle increases the risk of confusion and medication errors. Many tablets and capsules look alike, and some medications are available in multiple strengths that are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone.
If you combine medications, even multiple fills of the same medication, into a single bottle, the information on the label, including the expiration date will no longer be accurate.
Keeping medications in their individually labeled containers helps ensure that each medication can be accurately identified when needed.
Why might the hospital ask me to use my own medication from home?
Most of the time, the hospital can provide medication that is identical or very similar to what you take at home. However, some medications may not be available. In those situations, your healthcare team may ask you to bring your medication from home.
For safety reasons, hospitals generally require home medications to be in the original pharmacy-labeled container before they can be identified, verified, and approved for use.
My doctor changed how I take a medication, but my bottle still has the old directions. What should I do?
Always keep an up-to-date medication list. Include:
- Medication names
- Strengths
- How you currently take them
- Which doctor prescribed each medication
- Any medications you no longer take
- Allergies and medication intolerances
An updated list can be especially helpful if your most recent instructions are not yet reflected on the pharmacy label because you have not filled a new prescription.
How long should I keep my medication bottles?
Only keep the most recent and active prescription bottles associated with medications you currently use. Old, discontinued bottles can create confusion and clutter.
For tips on proper medication disposal see Pharmacist Advice on How to Properly Dispose of Medications.