The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7405 p732
17 June 2006

Society summary

An occasional feature, prepared in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Professional Standards Directorate, to highlight problems and inquiries currently being handled

Law and Ethics Bulletin, 2001 to present

Safe storage of medicines in patients' homes

Following the death of a young child who ingested his parents’ methadone mixture, pharmacists are reminded of the importance of ensuring that patients are counselled on the appropriate storage of all medicinal products supplied to them.

Patients should not only be advised on the appropriate storage conditions for the medicine but should also be reminded of the importance of storing medicines out of the reach of children.

Particular care must be exercised when medicines that are potentially dangerous even in small quantities, for example, Controlled Drugs, are being stored in a patient’s home.