Medication Safety

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. In addition, 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

• Take advantage of the DEA's biannual Drug Take Back program.
• 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