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Medicine Safety Archive

27 January 2022

Weight Loss Medicines and Supplements

Guest Staff Medicine, Medicine Safety, Supplements Leave a Comment
A blue tape measure wrapped around a pill container with some pills laying next to it

Many people choose weight loss as their new year resolution. In addition to the usual steps to achieving weight loss – setting specific and measurable goals, eating healthy, exercising, and other lifestyle changes – some people also use weight loss medicines or supplements.

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14 October 2021

National Drug Take Back Day

Emily Medicine, Medicine Disposal Leave a Comment
Poster for the 21st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Since 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has held 20 National Drug Take Back Day events. These events are a free and easy way to safely dispose of medicines – both prescription and over-the-counter. The next drug take back day event is October 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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28 September 2021

Antihistamine Safety

Emily Medicine, Medicine Safety, Safe Storage Leave a Comment
Nasal sprays in the background with various pills sitting in front.

Antihistamines are a type of medicine commonly used to treat allergies. Antihistamines were involved in approximately 1,200 cases at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) in 2020. Let’s dive deeper into antihistamines and how to safely use them.

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15 April 2021

What You Should Know About Melatonin

Guest Staff Medicine, Medicine Safety Leave a Comment
Eye mask, pills and alarm clock on a bedside table over night sky. Getting rid of insomnia, remedies for good restful sleep.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by our bodies. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Melatonin can help you sleep better when used in the right way and right amount.

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20 November 2020

The Importance of a Medicine Tracker

Emily Adults, Medicine, Medicine Safety, Older Adults, Over-the Counter Leave a Comment
Medical still life on a blue studio background. Top view. Flat lay. Items include a clock, notepad, pill pack, and nasal spray.

Taking at least one medicine is a routine part of many people’s day. In fact, some people might even take many medicines every day. It is a good idea to keep an up-to-date list of all of the medicines you take.

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15 October 2020

Safe Medicine Disposal

Emily Home, Medicine, Medicine Disposal, Medicine Safety Leave a Comment
Hand holding a medicine bottle with pills falling into a collection box.

Keeping unused or expired medicines in your home is dangerous. If your doctor tells you to stop taking a medicine, promptly dispose of it to help prevent a medicine error.  Make it a habit to regularly dispose of unused and expired medicines.

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28 July 2020

Mixing Medicines with Alcohol

Guest Staff Adults, Alcohol, Medicine, Medicine Safety, Older Adults Leave a Comment
A group of hands holding alcoholic drinks for a cheers

“My doctor just gave me a new medicine to take; can I drink alcohol with it?” This is how many conversations begin at the Maryland Poison Center. The answer to the question can vary depending on the medicine.

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19 December 2019

What You Should Know About Caffeine

Emily Adults, Caffeine, Children, Pre-Teens, Teens Leave a Comment
Word cloud about caffeine

What’s your poison? Coffee or tea? Coke or Pepsi? Monster or Red Bull? Chocolate? No matter which one you pick, each contains caffeine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 80% of adults in the U.S. consume some form of caffeine every day.

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26 September 2019

Take Charge of Your Health

Emily Medicine, Over-the Counter, Safe Storage Leave a Comment
Bottom half of a photo showing a doctor and patient in a consultation. There is a clipboard, stethoscope, medicine, and a laptop on the desk.

Do you take medicines? Are you a caregiver to someone who takes medicines? If so, medicine safety is important for you!

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27 March 2019

Top 10 Reasons Older Adults Should Call the Poison Center

Emily Grandparents, Medicine Safety, Older Adults, Poison Exposures, Poison Safety Leave a Comment
Collage of images featuring older adults engaged in activities that might lead to a call to the poison center.

Adults ages 59 years and older accounted for 9.8% of all cases at the Maryland Poison Center in 2018. Over the past three years, this number has continued to grow. Here, we explore the top 10 reasons older adults should call the poison center.

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Recent Posts

  • Appetizers on the table for the football party.
    Food Safety for the Big Game January 26, 2023
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    Babysitting Poison Safety January 18, 2023
  • Poison Specialist and Pharmacy student collaborating at the MPC
    Student Reflections – Fall 2022 December 15, 2022
  • Rama Arvind
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