Storing medicines at home: simple rules that keep them working
Heat, moisture and sunlight can weaken medicines. A few easy habits keep your family's medicines safe and effective.
Medisri Team15 October 2026 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Most medicines belong in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Always read the label: some medicines, like insulin, need the fridge.
- Check expiry dates regularly and keep medicines out of children's reach.
Where you keep medicines matters. Heat and humidity can break them down, so they may not work as well as they should by the time you need them.
The basics
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from the stove and direct sunlight.
- Avoid the bathroom: steam and humidity can damage tablets and capsules.
- Keep medicines in their original strips or bottles with the label intact.
- Close bottles tightly after use.
Medicines that need the fridge
Some medicines, such as many insulins, certain eye drops and some syrups, need refrigeration. The label or pack leaflet will say so. Keep them in the main part of the fridge, not the freezer or the door.
Not sure how to store a medicine? The storage instructions are printed on the pack, and your pharmacist can confirm.
Safety at home
- Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
- Check expiry dates every few months and set aside anything expired.
- Don't use medicines that have changed colour, smell or texture.
- Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of old or unused medicines.
Medicines and lab tests, one tap away.
The Medisri app is coming soon to Google Play.
