Medication storage safety tips.

Good Neighbor Tips from Erin Doan, State Farm Insurance, Scottville,www.erindoan.com.

Where medication is stored can impact its efficacy and shelf life. These storage tips can help you make sure your medications remain potent at home and abroad.

Medication Storage at Home

The bathroom medicine cabinet is actually not the best place to store medication. High humidity and temperature changes are two of the biggest threats to a medication’s shelf life. Also avoid areas near the stove, sink, heat sources, or warm electronics.

Instead, store medication somewhere cool and dry, such as a closet, dresser drawer, or pantry. Be sure to keep medications in their original containers — these bottles are typically childproof and clearly state the dosage and expiration date.

If you need to move medicine to a safer storage spot, take that opportunity to throw away medicine that has expired, changed color, or odor.

Medication Storage While Traveling

Keep medication in a safe, stable environment while you travel. In a car avoid spots that may experience extreme temperature swings, such as near vents or in the glove compartment or center console.

If you’re flying, keep medication stowed in your carry-on luggage. Your medication will be available to you if you need it, and it won’t be subject to the temperature fluctuations of the plane’s cargo area.