Prescription Safety

Patients experiencing adverse drug reactions, acute medical symptoms, or other problems should contact their primary care provider (PCP), local emergency room, or call 911.

Infections are serious — the best way to prevent an infection is to properly wash your hands often. Remember to always
wash your hands before and after you prepare or handle any medication

• Collect the supplies (soap, paper towels, or a clean cloth towel).
• Wet your hands with warm water.
• Place small amount of soap on your hands.
• Rub your hands briskly together for at least 30 seconds (remember to wash in between fingers).
• Rinse your hands with warm water.
• Dry your hands with a paper towel or clean cloth towel.
• Turn the faucet off with the towel.

If you re-touch anything (such as your hair), sneeze into your hands, or feel that your hands may no longer be clean, wash your hands again before continuing with care. If no water supply is available, an alcohol based antibacterial hand cleanser may be used.

After using an injectable medication, place all needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects into a sharps container.

• Do not dispose of sharps in the trash unless they are contained within a sharps container.
• Do not flush sharps down the toilet.
• If a sharps container is not available, a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on top or other tightly
   securable lid may be used.
• Before discarding, reinforce the top with heavy-duty tape.
• Do not use clear plastic or glass containers.
• Containers should be no more than three-quarters full.
• Check with your local waste collection service or public health department to verify the disposal procedures for sharps containers in your area. You can also visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org.

• Plan for the safe handling and disposal of needles before using them.
• Never replace the cap on needles.
• Immediately after use, throw used needles away directly into a sharps disposal container.
• Report all needle sticks and/or sharps-related injuries to your physician promptly.

Falling (most injuries in the home are due to falls)

• Keep the floor clean. Promptly clean up spills.
• If you use throw rugs, place them over a rug liner or choose rugs with non-skid backs to reduce your chance
   of slipping or tripping.
• Use a non-slip mat or install adhesive strips in your tub or shower.
• Tuck telephone, computer, and electronic cords away and out of walkways.
• Ensure all stairs and steps have handrails. Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, when applicable.
• Have all walkways well-lit. Use night lights as needed.

• Keep all hazardous materials and liquids out of the reach of children.
• Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
• Know your local poison control number, or dial (800) 222-1222 if a suspected poisoning occurs.

• Have smoke detectors in the home and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Test each smoke detector once a month.
• Have a fire plan and be sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire.
• Place covers over electrical outlets.
• Verify your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep children away from the stove, and never leave the stove unattended while cooking.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

In the event of a fire:

• Rescue anyone from immediate danger.
• If you are safe, alert the fire department; otherwise, evacuate the area.
• Turn off oxygen (if applicable) and try to contain the fire by closing off any access (such as doors).
• Attempt to extinguish the fire only if it is in a small and localized area; otherwise, evacuate the building and notify the fire department once you are safe.
• If relocation is necessary, please call our pharmacy to inform us of your updated contact information and new medication delivery location to ensure that there is no lapse in therapy.

Natural Disasters (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes)

• In disaster-prone areas, store food and extra bottled water.
• Have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Check for injuries.
• Check your home for any gas or water leaks, and turn off appropriate valves.
• Stay away from windows or broken glass, and wear shoes at all times.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
  • If evacuation is necessary, go to the nearest shelter and notify the organizers of any special needs you have.
• Please call CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy to inform us of your updated contact information and new medication delivery location to ensure that there is no lapse in therapy.

Notify your electric and gas companies if there is a loss of power.

• If you are on a nebulized medication or other medication that requires electricity to administer, please call your local electric company to report your special needs, as they may be able to prioritize the restoration of your electricity.

Have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and/or candles available.

• If you are on oxygen, turn it off before lighting candles.

• Prepare an emergency kit that includes water, nonperishable food, a battery-operated radio, flashlights and fresh batteries, and a first-aid kit which includes prescription medications.
• Keep your cell phone fully charged.
• Do NOT use your stove for heat. If the power goes out, use extra blankets, sleeping bags, warm winter coats, gloves, and hats. A wood burning fireplace may also be used as a heat source.
• Never use a charcoal grill or portable gas camp stove inside the home, as both of these items can produce deadly fumes.
• Avoid use of candles as they may lead to house fires. If you do use candles, never leave lit candles unattended.