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Treatment for high cholesterol varies by individual. While some people are able to manage their cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet alone, others need medication to lower their risk for heart health issues.

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

It’s common to have concerns about beginning treatment with medication, but remember that taking cholesterol-lowering medication is normal: more than 40 million U.S. adults take statins, the first-line medication for high cholesterol. And if you have high cholesterol, the most important thing is working with your doctor to determine what you need to live your healthiest life.

Below, we explain more about different cholesterol treatment options and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Before we dive in, let’s review the basics about cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a lipid — a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your bloodstream and in your cells. There are two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is also called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. HDL is considered “good cholesterol” because it can help remove LDL cholesterol from your body. When we say high cholesterol, we are typically referring to a person’s levels of LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides are another type of lipid that your doctor will monitor. Like LDL cholesterol, they can accumulate in your blood vessels and are associated with heart health issues. Total cholesterol is a measure of all three components: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol may vary by individual, these are some general guidelines.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women.

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL.

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL.

It is possible to have high triglycerides without having high LDL cholesterol levels. There are medications that specifically target triglycerides while high-intensity statins can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Lifestyle changes that support healthy cholesterol levels

The following lifestyle practices can help you manage your cholesterol and triglycerides and are important even for those who take cholesterol-lowering medication.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

Diet: Certain types of food can increase your LDL cholesterol. Try to limit your consumption of saturated fats (common sources include red meat and full-fat dairy products) and avoid trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, as much as possible. On the other hand, unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, and tree nuts); omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna); and soluble fiber (beans, peas, lentils, oats, and whole grains), can support healthy cholesterol levels.

Smoking cessation: If you have high cholesterol, quitting smoking can help lower both your cholesterol levels and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Healthy alcohol consumption: If you drink, limiting your alcohol intake can help you manage your cholesterol, as heavy drinking can increase your cholesterol levels. The CDC recommends two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication?

High cholesterol is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Effective cholesterol treatment can lower your risk for cardiovascular health issues, including a heart attack or stroke.

While statins were once considered exclusively cholesterol-lowering medications, we have learned more about their overall heart health benefits in recent years, and they are increasingly prescribed as a heart disease risk-reducing medication. Your doctor may prescribe a medication from this class even if your overall cholesterol numbers are in a healthy range.

When developing recommendations for cholesterol treatment, your doctor will consider a variety of health factors to assess your overall heart health, including the following.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol levels may vary by individual, a healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL. If your LDL cholesterol is over 190 mg/dL, your doctor may recommend medication. 

Treatment plans account for other heart disease risk factors in addition to high cholesterol. For example, if you have diabetes — which can double your risk for heart disease and stroke — or another key risk factor, you may need to supplement lifestyle changes with medication even if your cholesterol is below the 190 mg/dL threshold.

There are a variety of causes of high cholesterol, including lifestyle and health factors as well as genetics. People with a family history of high cholesterol often need medication, since lifestyle changes alone are less likely to lower cholesterol levels.

When making recommendations for treatment, your doctor may use a tool called a cardiac risk calculator, which assesses your chances of developing heart health issues based on your personal health history. Those with a higher score may be more likely to need cholesterol-lowering medication. 

Is medication always a first-line treatment?

In some cases, a doctor will recommend cholesterol-lowering medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. Other times, medication is the best option for first-line treatment based on an individual’s health history and risk for heart disease. If your provider decides to start treatment with medication first, it doesn’t mean that you have failed to take care of your health on your own. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to keep your heart as strong as possible. 

How will my doctor pick the right medication for me?

Treatment for high cholesterol and/or triglycerides varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Your overall heart health and risk for cardiovascular issues

Other medications you take and potential interactions or side effects

The medication’s lowest effective dose — higher-intensity statins can reduce lipid levels at a lower dose than other medications

Whether you’re targeting LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or both

There are a variety of medications for high LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs. Keep in mind that each person’s response to medication is unique. If you know someone who had side effects from one medication, it doesn’t mean that you will have the same experience.

What if my cholesterol medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications have the potential for side effects. They are typically mild. Fortunately, there are a variety of medication options to consider. Remember, too, that in most cases, the benefits of a cholesterol medication far outweigh the potential risks.

Statins, the most common cholesterol medication, are often the starting point of cholesterol treatment with medication. Commonly prescribed statins include:

A small percentage of people who take statins experience muscle aches and elevated liver enzymes, two of the most common side effects. There are many alternatives for those who can’t take statins, including the following:

Ezetimibe (Zetia®), a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication

PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab (Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®) - administered as injections every 2-4 weeks

Fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide®) specifically target high triglycerides and are often used to lower triglyceride levels.

Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life?

This also varies by individual. Some people with high cholesterol need to take medication for the rest of their life. Others transition off of their medication if they have achieved healthy cholesterol levels and their doctor recommends a new treatment plan. Never stop taking medication without consulting your provider.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

To learn more, reach out via in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Nearly half of all US adults have high blood pressure, a key risk factor in the development of heart disease. While high blood pressure, or hypertension, is manageable, only 24% of those with the condition have it under control, and many people who could benefit from medication aren’t receiving the treatment they need.

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

If your doctor has recommended blood pressure medication, you may have concerns about beginning this treatment approach rather than focusing on lifestyle changes alone. Keep in mind that, unlike age or genetics, high blood pressure is a heart disease risk factor you have some control over. It’s important to take whatever steps you can to strengthen your heart health and prevent heart attacks and stroke. Depending on your blood pressure readings and overall health history, this may include taking hypertension medication.

Below, we explain more about treatment options for high blood pressure and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Blood pressure is the force your heart uses to pump oxygen-rich blood and deliver it to organs and tissues throughout your body. Healthy blood pressure is critical to many areas of your health. It keeps the heart from working too hard and supports healthy kidney function, allowing your kidneys to remove excess fluid and toxins from your body.

A blood pressure reading has two components: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood flowing out of your heart and into your arteries.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force created when your heart fills with blood while resting between beats.

Blood pressure readings present your systolic blood pressure over your diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading that is consistently higher than 130 over 80 mm Hg. More severe high blood pressure, also referred to as stage 2 hypertension, is defined as a reading of 140+ over 90+ mm Hg.

High blood pressure affects your body in many ways. It causes the heart to work harder, stretching or harming blood vessels and accelerating the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this may lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

It can also damage other important organs:

Narrowed or blocked arteries can block blood flow to the brain.

Narrowed or blocked blood vessels prevent the kidneys from performing key functions such as filtering blood or regulating blood pressure.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can lead to eye disease or loss of vision.

Lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure

Treatment for high blood pressure includes both lifestyle changes and medications. The following habits and practices are an important component of managing high blood pressure even if you take blood pressure medication.

Diet: The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg, as high sodium consumption can increase blood pressure. Processed or prepackaged foods are common sources of sodium, in addition to salt. On the other hand, be sure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your meal planning.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can also support healthy blood pressure. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes each day.

Stress management: Though research on the long-term relationship between stress and hypertension isn’t definitive, we know that adrenaline and cortisol — the hormones released when the body experiences stress — can increase your heartbeat and narrow your blood vessels. Focus on positive ways to prevent or reduce stress, including exercise and mindfulness practices.

Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Moderate alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is associated with high blood pressure. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol intake to two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe blood pressure medication?

When developing hypertension treatment recommendations, your doctor will look at the whole picture of your health — specifically your risk for heart disease — not just your blood pressure. The higher your overall risk for heart health issues, the more likely you are to benefit from blood pressure medication.

These are some of the health factors your doctor will consider:

Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hypertension medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. However, if you have very high blood pressure, medication may be necessary as a first-line treatment.

What are the most common blood pressure medications?

There are a variety of physiological approaches to lowering blood pressure, and different blood pressure medications function differently. They may:

Block nerve activity to prevent blood vessels from constricting

These are some commonly prescribed classes of blood pressure medications.

Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. Commonly prescribed diuretics include:

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®)

Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®)

ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications expand constricted blood vessels so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) target the hormone angiotensin II to prevent blood vessels from narrowing. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, helping the heart beat with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat less forcefully while opening up the veins and arteries. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

When the above medications aren’t effective at lowering high blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe other types of medications, including alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, and vasodilators.

How will my doctor pick the right blood pressure medication for me?

Blood pressure management varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Other medications you take and potential interactions

High blood pressure frequently intersects with other health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and heart failure, so your doctor may recommend a treatment approach that targets several conditions at once. This may mean taking more than one blood pressure medication.

There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs.

What if my medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many common blood pressure medications have the potential for side effects. For example, diuretics have been associated with thirst, dehydration, and decreased potassium levels.

The good news is that with the variety of medications to consider, you have other options if you have a negative response to any single medication. Remember, too, that in many cases, the benefits of a blood pressure medication outweigh the potential risks or possibility of side effects.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your blood pressure-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it may feel overwhelming. If you or your child has received a diagnosis, one of the best things you can do as a next step is to educate yourself about the condition. To make sure you have the information you need, we’ve debunked common myths about type 1 diabetes.

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is only diagnosed in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes, and it’s true that it’s most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. However, a diagnosis can come at any age, and symptoms may first develop in adulthood.

It can be difficult to identify type 1 diabetes in adults, as early symptoms often develop rapidly and can be mistaken as illness. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Other symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. If you experience any of the symptoms above, speak with your provider about an evaluation for a potential diagnosis.

Myth: It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This is not the case with type 1. While the exact causes of type 1 diabetes aren’t entirely understood, it is considered an autoimmune condition, which means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own tissues and organs.

In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. (This is another important distinction between the two types of diabetes — type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning that the pancreas produces some insulin, but cells don’t respond normally to it.)

Many autoimmune disorders run in families, and type 1 diabetes is thought to have a genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with the condition may increase a person’s risk for developing it.

Myth: If you have type 1 diabetes, you can’t eat sugar.

A common myth about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that they’re caused by sugar. This is not true, and people with either type of diabetes can indeed consume sugar.

That said, managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment, and diet can significantly affect a person’s blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient. Since daily insulin dosages are based on daily insulin-to-carb ratios, people with diabetes need to monitor their carb intake.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether, but rather that you need to plan ahead and maintain a balanced diet. You should still be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you plan meals carefully and spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Myth: You can’t lead an active life with type 1 diabetes.

Quite the opposite! In fact, regular physical activity is as important for people with diabetes as it is for anyone else. However, there are extra fitness-related considerations to account for when you have diabetes.

Exercise is another factor in blood sugar levels, and some people experience decreased blood sugar during or after exercise. A variety of factors can affect your blood sugar response to exercise, including:

Your blood sugar levels prior to exercise

To exercise safely as a person with diabetes, check your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, and be prepared to treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia can be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Myth: Treatment stays the same throughout a person’s life.

While treatment for type 1 diabetes isn’t as varied as treatment for type 2 diabetes, and everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy, a person’s insulin needs will likely change throughout their life.

The physical changes caused by puberty and pregnancy often lead to evolving diabetes treatment needs, including different blood sugar targets and insulin dosages. Plus, as you learn more about diabetes and become more familiar with your body’s needs, you may find that you have a different experience of living with the condition.

Given the complexities of diabetes management, it’s important to regularly see an endocrinologist who can evaluate your insulin needs and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your or your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also provide personalized support via in-app messaging. If you have questions about insulin therapy, side effects, insurance terminology, or anything else related to diabetes treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Learn more about national medication shortages affecting people and pharmacist everywhere, what causes shortages, steps you can take if you are affected, and other frequently asked questions. Read on.

Medication Shortages, Explained | Alto Pharmacy

Few things are more frustrating — or frightening — than being unable to access the medication your doctor has prescribed. But it has become a common experience in recent years, as medication shortages remain a persistent healthcare challenge in the U.S. And if you take medication, you may be familiar with the panic of struggling to find enough of what you need.

Not only are these shortages incredibly frustrating and debilitating, they are also confusing and unpredictable, arising seemingly at random, and with little known about an anticipated resolution.

While Alto will always go above and beyond to bring you your medications without delay, these shortages are beyond our control, and we share your frustrations and concerns. To provide more clarity and context as to why these shortages occur — and why, unfortunately, there are few short-term solutions — we’ve compiled answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently.

Like every pharmacy across the country — as well as many around the world — Alto has been affected by medication shortages in the last few years. Each pharmacy’s stock fluctuates in tandem with demand, so if you call multiple pharmacies, it’s possible that one will have a greater supply of an affected medication than another on any given day. But ultimately, no pharmacy is immune to these challenges, and if a medication is in short supply, each pharmacy may feel the impact at some point.

If Alto currently does not carry your medication and you would like to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy, be sure to call that new pharmacy to confirm availability of your medication — medication shortages often impact most pharmacies within a specific region. 

The causes of medication shortages are complex, with multiple, and often intersecting, factors at play.

Any issues that affect the production of a medication may lead to reduced supply. This includes disruptions to manufacturing, like when Hurricane Maria damaged production sites in Puerto Rico in 2017.

Covid is another example of how a natural disaster or global crisis can disrupt medication production. The United States relies heavily on other countries for the raw ingredients needed to manufacture a medication.* This leaves us incredibly vulnerable to changes in workforce capacity or manufacturing activities overseas.

*As of 2019, only 28% of our country’s supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) — the substances directly responsible for a medication’s therapeutic benefits — were manufactured domestically.

Even when manufacturing circumstances are ideal, rising demand for a medication can lead to low supply. This winter’s difficult cold and flu season, with high cases of Covid, the flu, and R.S.V., contributed to a decreased supply of children’s formulations of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and several commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Adderall®, a stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is another medication whose demand has increased in recent years. Prescriptions for the medication increased by 15.1% in 2020, in comparison to a 7.4% increase in 2019. This comes after a surge in new ADHD diagnoses, which more than doubled between 2007 and 2016 and continue to rise. Worker shortages and production delays experienced by Teva, a leading manufacturer of Adderall, have added additional pressure and compounded the challenges.

High demand has also contributed to recent shortages of the diabetes medications Ozempic® and Wegovy®,  as they have been increasingly prescribed for weight loss.

Addressing increased demand is often easier said than done. Most generic manufacturers decide how much of a medication to produce at the beginning of the year, with virtually no flexibility, so it isn’t an option to simply make more. This is why there is often a seasonal pattern to shortages, with many intensifying at the end of the year.

In the case of Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) imposes strict production quotas to prevent misuse. With quotas based on estimates, our manufacturing system isn't prepared to respond to unexpected factors like the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses. 

Why are shortages happening more frequently?

Medication shortages are in the headlines more these days, but they are not a new occurrence. They have steadily increased since 2006, becoming a public health crisis in more recent years. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reports that, at the end of 2022, ongoing and active shortages were the highest they’ve been since 2014.

The growing intensity of these shortages reflects the strain that Covid put on our entire healthcare system — which we still haven’t fully recovered from — along with other unpredictable healthcare patterns, like growing demand for ADHD medications.

Are certain medications more likely to be affected than others?

Ultimately, any medication can go into shortage, but some types are more prone to recurring supply chain issues.

Medication shortages frequently occur with commonly used (and low-profit) generic medications — like the antibiotic amoxicillin — as pharmaceutical companies have little financial incentive to produce more of them.

Some injectable generics are especially vulnerable to shortages. Fewer manufacturers make these medications, so any production disruption can become a larger issue.

The Adderall shortage illustrates that low stock of a single medication can create a class-wide issue. For many people with ADHD, switching to another medication has proven challenging, as alternatives grow scarce too. This is also the case with Ozempic and other diabetes medications.

Medication shortages are rooted in factors that are far beyond any one person’s control, and unfortunately, there is little we can do to prevent them. Industry experts have proposed solutions, including ramping up domestic production of key pharmaceutical ingredients and building a more resilient medical supply chain. These aren’t quick fixes, and government action is needed for meaningful progress.

What can I do to navigate a medication shortage?

While many medication shortages are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to potentially minimize their stress and impact.

You can track medication shortages on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or ASHP websites to learn more about a medication’s supply.

To give yourself more time to figure out a short-term solution — such as switching to an alternative medication — refill your medication as far in advance as you can. In some cases, it may be possible to get a 90-day supply of your medication, though this isn’t always an option for controlled substances, and your insurance plan may also limit coverage of refills.

If your medication is in scarce supply, speak with your doctor about alternatives. In addition to taking a different medication, you may be able to switch to a different dose or formulation. Many medications require that you safely taper off of them, which is another reason it’s important to stay on top of refills and ideally learn about supply issues before the last minute.

If an alternative medication costs more or is not covered by your insurance plan, there are resources to help alleviate some of the burden, including coupons, manufacturer-sponsored copay cards, and patient assistance programs. Alto is here to support your savings investigations, and we also suggest reaching out to your insurance provider and verifying your plan’s details — they may be required to cover a branded option if a generic is unavailable.

Our team can answer any questions you have about your medications. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Learn more about national medication shortages affecting people and pharmacist everywhere, what causes shortages, steps you can take if you are affected, and other frequently asked questions.

Just like the food in your refrigerator, medications are labeled with expiration dates. And while a bottle of forgotten ibuprofen in the medicine cabinet may not be as risky or as unpleasant as, say, a carton of forgotten milk, it’s important to regularly scan your medications and safely discard any that are too old — both for your health and safety and others.

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

Here’s more on the risks of expired medication and how to dispose of them. (Spoiler: safe disposal varies by medication.)

Why do I need to discard expired medication?

A medication’s expiration date marks the date at which a medication will begin to lose its full potency and safety. This may be due to a change in a medication’s chemical make-up or a weakening of its strength.

While many expired medications will not cause great harm, expiration dates are very important for certain medications. For instance, not only will an expired antibiotic lose its effectiveness, it may cause more serious illness and lead to antibiotic resistance. (As the term suggests, antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria that caused an infection become resistant to an antibiotic, making that infection more difficult to treat.)

Proper disposal of any unneeded medication is critical even if that medication has not formally expired. This prevents others from taking the medication, which is especially important with opioids, benzodiazepines, or other medications with the potential for dependency or misuse.

To find your medication’s expiration date, check the prescription label, bottle, or carton.

How do I safely dispose of expired or unneeded medication?

The best way to discard expired medication is through a medication take-back program. There are both permanent take-back collection sites and recurring events.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a search tool to help you find your nearest authorized collection site. You can also learn more about medication take-back days here.

If a medication take-back program isn’t an option, there are two methods for safe at-home disposal of your medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a “flush list” of medications that should be flushed down the sink or toilet as soon as they are no longer needed. This list includes medications that can cause harm to others, including opioids.

While flushing a medication always has the potential for environmental effects, research studies have found that the risk of leaving these medications accessible far outweighs any risks associated with flushing them.

Never flush a medication that is not included on the FDA’s list.

If your medication isn’t on the flush list and medication take-back isn’t possible, there are certain precautions to take when throwing it in the trash at home.

Mix medications with dirt, cat litter, used coffee grounds, or a similar substance. Never crush tablets or capsules.

Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or other container and put it into the trash.

Remove any personal information from empty medicine bottles or packaging and put it into the trash or, if recyclable, the recycling bin.

Inhalers for asthma and other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause environmental harm if punctured or burned in a fire or incinerator. Follow local regulations when discarding these devices and contact your area’s trash and recycling facility if needed.

Needles and other injection supplies used in the treatment of diabetes, infertility, and other health conditions also require safe disposal. (Such supplies are often referred to as sharps.) 

The best method for sharps disposal is to bring them to a designated collection site. Find a safe local disposal site here.

If a collection site isn’t an option, put your sharps into a strong plastic container and place it in the trash. Never recycle your sharps.

Our team can answer any questions you have about your medications. We also offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment.

Diabetes is a complex and often misunderstood condition. One of the most important things you can do to manage or prevent it is to educate yourself about the facts. To help, we’ve debunked five common myths about type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Myth: Weight is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood.) Obesity is one of the type 2 diabetes risk factors that many people are familiar with, and there are several misconceptions about the relationship between diabetes and weight.

While being overweight or obese may increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is not the only risk factor. Frequency of physical activity, genetics, and age are also contributing factors. Many people who are overweight or obese do not develop diabetes, and people who are at a healthy weight may develop the condition.

Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, a source of energy that carbohydrates are converted into during the process of digestion. This often leads to the misconception that eating sugar can directly cause diabetes, which is not the case.

Blog

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Medication Shortages, Explained

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Small Changes for a Healthier Heart

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Medication Interactions, Explained

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Medications Used After a Stroke

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