NPS MedicineWise has urged consumers not to stockpile their regular medicines under the current COVID-19 situation, saying "having more than a month's supply of medicines is generally not necessary and comes with extra costs and medicine safety risks".
In an update issued yesterday, NPS noted that buying and storing more medicines than you need may lead to them expiring, and may also go to waste if dosages and strengths prescribed change.
"Having more medicines in the house increases the risk of them falling into the wrong hands," NPS added, with children or pets potentially taking them by accident, leading to unwanted or dangerous side effects.
NPS MedicineWise also urged people to talk to their GP or pharmacist if they have questions about their medicines or the amount they may need - more online at nps.org.au/coronavirus.
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