Professor Olga Tkachyova, Director of the Russian Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Medicine at Pirogov University, explained that improper medication storage can render medicines ineffective or even harmful.
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She stated: “It is essential to store medications correctly, especially for older adults who often forget to take their medicines and leave them on tables, in bathrooms, or kitchens. High temperatures, humidity, and steam gradually alter the properties of medications, and any medicine can become ineffective or harmful if not stored according to instructions. Excess moisture, heat, and direct sunlight can damage active ingredients.”
Professor Tkachyova emphasized the importance of disposing of expired medicines or those that have changed color, smell, or texture—something many older adults neglect.
She added: “To avoid accidentally taking spoiled medications, it is important to regularly review your medicine cabinet and discard expired or suspicious drugs. It is preferable to dedicate a separate cabinet for medications, away from bathrooms, kitchens, or windows. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If the instructions specify refrigeration, the medicine should be stored in the fridge, but not in the freezer. Tablets should be kept in their original packaging, different medications should not be mixed in one container to reduce errors, and expiration dates and drug condition should be checked regularly.”
Source: gazeta.ru
