A common public misconception is that prescription drugs cannot be dangerous, and over-the-counter medicines do not pose a health threat. The truth is that any medicine can be poisonous if used by the wrong person or in the wrong way or too much is taken.
In fact, 57% of our cases involved medication-related poisonings during fiscal year 2019. There were more than twice as many painkiller poisonings that any other medication-related poisoning. The opioid epidemic remains a serious public health problem in New Mexico.
Common medication-related calls include the inquiries below:
Can I take “medicine x” with “medicine y?”
I am breastfeeding, is it okay to take this particular medicine?
I am pregnant, will this particular medicine hurt my baby if I take it?
I think I took too much of my medicine, will I be okay?
I don’t know if my wife gave our child the morning dose of medicine and it’s time for her next dose. What should I do?
I spilled my pill box. Can you help me sort out my pills?
Poison Prevention Tips
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets
Keep all medicines in their original, child-resistant packaging with lids secured tightly
Follow directions carefully and never take more than the prescribed dose
Use the measuring device that comes with the medication, not kitchen utensils
Take medicines in a lighted area and wear eye glasses if needed
Keep track of medicines taken throughout the day to avoid confusion
Be sure to tell other caregivers the last time that you gave your child medicine(s) to avoid an overdose
Use one primary care doctor and one pharmacist
Avoid taking medications with the same active ingredient together, such as acetaminophen
It is best to lock up medicines that are commonly abused, such as painkillers, Ritalin and Adderall
Safely dispose unused and expired medicines
Medication Disposal
Poperly dispose your expired and unused medications to protect our water supplies from getting contaminated, and to prevent drug abuse and misuse.
