When was the last time you checked your first aid kit? You may have expired medications!

Todos hemos tenido en casa medicamentos que ya no usamos, tal vez un frasco de jarabe a medio terminar o una caja de pastillas olvidada en el botiquín. Pero, ¿qué hacemos cuando esos medicamentos ya han caducado? Deshacerse de ellos incorrectamente, como tirarlos al inodoro o a la basura común, puede tener graves consecuencias para la salud y el medio ambiente.

When was the last time you checked your first aid kit?

• Last month
• 6 months ago
• Last year
• Never

Why shouldn't we throw expired medicines in the trash?

When we throw medicines in the regular trash or pour them down the drain, they can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment. Pharmaceutical waste can affect aquatic life and contaminate drinking water, as well as contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What to do with expired medicines in Mexico?

In Mexico, SINGREM (Sistema Nacional de Gestión de Residuos de Envases y Medicamentos) provides a simple and safe solution. This program has special containers distributed in pharmacies and health centers where you can deposit your expired medicines, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and their containers. It is important not to include sharps such as syringes or needles, as these require different handling.

Recommendations for the safe handling of expired medications:

Revisa periódicamente tu botiquín

Keep a regular check on the expiration dates of medications in your home. This will help you identify which ones are no longer safe for use.

Use SINGREM containers

Locate the nearest collection point and deposit expired medicines in the appropriate containers. Avoid leaving them in places accessible to children or pets.

Do not dispose of medicines in the drain or garbage

As mentioned, doing so can contaminate water and soil. In addition, certain medications can be dangerous if accidentally ingested by other people or animals.

Consult a health professional

If you have questions about the expiration date of a medication or how to dispose of it, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer specific and safe guidance.

The Importance of Medical Waste Management

Proper management of expired medications is just one part of a larger, necessary process: medical waste management. By following the right practices, you not only protect your home, but also contribute to public health and the preservation of the environment.

In short, taking care of how we dispose of expired medications is a responsibility we all share. By following these simple steps, we can ensure that medicines do not become a health and environmental hazard.