Medication Safety
October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the risks of misusing prescription and over‑the‑counter medications. Many people don’t realize that medicine misuse is one of the fastest growing substance concerns—especially among youth—because prescription drugs are often viewed as safer. This month, we recognize the importance of talking about medicine safety, reducing misuse, and encouraging responsible use.
MEDICATION SAFETY RESOURCES
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Breathing Medication Safety
When breathing difficulty happens related to asthma and other respiratory issues time matters. Be prepared and know what to do when symptoms persist. Click the link below for important information to help guide yourself and help those you care for with respiratory care needs.
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Recovery & Mental Health Resources
Safeguard medication to avoid unwanted use and abuse of prescription medications. For those struggling with opioid dependence and other prescription medication misuse related issues seek care. Click below for are resource list to services available throughout Michigan and the nation.
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Medication Safety
Unexpected use of medication happens in at home, work, and school everyday. Learn how to prevent unwanted exposure to medication wherever your are. Click the link below for Medication Safety Tips to help you prevent poisoning related to medications.
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Child Resistant Caps and Closures
Most calls to poison centers throughout the U.S. are regarding children under the age of five years old who have eaten or who have been exposed to medication unintentionally. Using child resistant caps and other safety devices is an important way to prevent accidental and life-threatening exposure to medication and other substances. Learn more in this informative presentation.
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Medication Safety-Video Brief
Click below to view a 3 minute video brief created by the MPH 6010 students at Western Michigan University in conjunction with the MiPDC.
STATEWIDE DRUG TAKEBACK LOCATIONS
Medication and Insurance Assistance (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
Children under the age of 5 years of age accounted for nearly 42% (More than 22,000 children under 5 years of age) of all exposures reported to the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center in 2022(National Poison Data System, 2024).
More than 31% of all cases reported to the MiPDC regarding children under the age of 5 years of age were related to unexpected exposure to medications in 2022 (National Poison Data System, 2024).
In 2022 over 56,000 Human exposure cases were reported to the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center
Unexpected and unintentional exposures to substances including medication can happen anywhere, but most happen in a home.
Prevent unexpected exposure to medication & other substances in your home, schools, businesses, & vehicles.
Keep medications and other substances out of sight and reach of children and vulnerable adults. To learn more about medication safety or for educational resources call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 and dial extension 2 for the Poison Center Educator at the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center.
Call now to speak with one of our specialists.
Materials & Information Requests
To obtain poison prevention and safety education materials, click the button below or call 1-800-222-1222 to reach our educator.