ALBERTA – Learn how to give, take and store medicine safely this National Poison Prevention Week.

National Poison Prevention Week is a reminder that poisoning doesn’t just happen from household chemicals - it can also happen accidentally with everyday medicines if they’re improperly mixed, misused, or stored improperly. This year medicine safety is the focus of National Poison Prevention Week. Medicines include prescription drugs, over-the-counter and natural health products.

Follow these steps to prevent poisoning from medicines:

• Always read the instructions on the bottle before taking or administrating medicine to someone else.
• Avoid mixing any medicines - it can be dangerous. If you’re already taking medicine and want to start a new one, always talk to your healthcare provider first. If you take a medicine containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen, don’t take another medicine with the same ingredients.
• Avoid mixing medicines with cannabis or alcohol.
• Buy over-the-counter medicine in smaller amounts. Many medicines come in different sized bottles, so choose a smaller over-the-counter option to keep less at home and reduce the risk of misuse.
• Dispose of any expired or unused medicine - take them to your local pharmacy.
• Take extra precautions if you have children in your home:
  • Always follow the instructions for their age or weight.
  • Store all medicines somewhere high, in a secure location out of sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure medicines are in child-resistant packages.
  • Others visiting your home may carry medication with them. Keep their coats and bags out of reach of children.

Other common household items - such as laundry detergent pods, essential oils, hand sanitizers and toothpaste - can also be poisonous if swallowed or used incorrectly. Always store household items with hazardous materials out of reach of children, as well as cannabis, e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

If you are concerned that someone has been poisoned, call 911 or the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414.

Parachute’s National Poison Prevention Week is an annual initiative recognized by the University of Alberta’s Injury Prevention Centre and other community partners.

For more information and resources on how you can further protect the health of you and your loved ones, visit Poison and drug information.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.