We would like to draw your attention to safe storage, usage and disposal of your
medicines, in particular those with high risk.
High-risk medications are drugs that have a heightened risk of causing significant
patient harm when they are used in error, e.g. :
ADHD medication, all CDs (controlled drugs, including Morphine, Diazepam,
Pregabalin and Gabapentin), Aspirin, anti-cancer meds, oral anticoagulants, insulin,
lithium, Methotrexate, NSAIDs, opiates, Paracetamol, parafin based products,
steroids, valproate.
High-risk medications should be stored in individual containers with only one type of
medication per storage container for safety. The unused high risk meds should be
returned and disposed of safely at any pharmacy.
Most medication should be stored in a locked cupboard or locked container which is
out of reach of children in an area that is below 25C. A few medicines, such as
asthma inhalers, may need to be readily available and in this circumstance must not
be locked away.
Please remember to have regular checks whilst on high risk medication.
And in case of experiencing sickness please read the following information on kidney
health:
Specific medication advice:
Sodium Valproate
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sodium-valproate/
Oral anticoagulants – DOACs (Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban, Dabixaban)
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabi
net/doac
Alert card for anticoagulants:
https://ggcmedicines.org.uk/media/uploads/patient_information/278865_1_0_alert_c
ard.pdf
Anticoagulant booklet:
Warfarin:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/warfarin/how-and-when-to-take-warfarin/
Warfarin booklet:
https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/10/OATINFOBOOK11.pdf
Lithium:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lithium/about-lithium/
Lithium therapy booklet:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/nqpsd/patient-safety-programme/medication-safet
y/lithium-therapy-patient-information-booklet.pdf
Pre-consultation questionnaire template:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-sugar-hypoglycaemia/