When it comes to the storage of pharmaceutical drugs, there are many safety precautions that must be taken to protect the integrity and quality of the medicine. Failure to do so can quickly lead to the deterioration of the pharmaceuticals, leaving them spoiled, unusable, and ineffective.
To save money, time, and decrease the possibility of sickness, it’s vital to find a place where you can adequately store your medications. For a how-to guide on the importance of pharmaceutical storage, CRS Moving & Storage has gathered important information to follow and consider. Our New York-based storage company has five centrally located storage facilities where we can help you store a range of goods, from office furniture to pharmaceuticals as well.
Important Considerations for Pharmaceutical Storage
When you are storing pharmacy drugs, it’s important to follow a set of rules and regulations to keep them usable. Three of the most important considerations include:
Temperature
Every pharmaceutical drug will require a different preferred temperature, but according to The United States Pharmacopeia, the average temperature is between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Careful considerations must be made when transporting the medications, as outside temperatures or the inside of a moving van may easily exceed the average range.
The best option is a climate-controlled storage unit with shelving options. Your pharmaceuticals will be kept regulated at their preferred temperature and will also be safe from any outside elements, such as water. Elongated exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the active chemicals in the medication to overheat and spoil, causing it to be ineffective. In some cases, the medication can even become harmful to the user and cause illness.
Shelf Life
As with most medicines or food, pharmaceutical drugs have an expiration date that must be adhered to. The typical shelf life of a prescription or retail medication is the date at which the active drug ingredient decreases effectiveness by 10%. Exposure to extreme temperatures or weather conditions will expedite the shelf life and decrease the window of effectiveness.
When storing your pharmaceuticals, it’s important to have a clear, open space where you can easily see and access the expiration date. Active inventory management should be a regular practice so you can easily monitor shelf life. As with other products that contain expiration times, the “first in, first out” method can be utilized. CRS Moving & Storage has an in-house inventory management system available to all unit owners, saving you the time and money necessary to keep up to date.
Access to Proper Disposal
When you are dealing with medicine or drugs that have not been properly stored, it is best practice to dispose of them. Prescription medications cannot just be thrown away in a regular trash can and instead require proper liquidation. This can either be done by locating an authorized collection site or through CRS Moving & Storage. We are proud to offer eco-friendly liquidation services, which include the transportation and disposal of pharmaceutical medications.
Speak With a Professional Storage Expert Today
CRS Moving & Storage is happy and able to help accommodate any storage needs, including your pharmaceuticals. We have serviced the Tri-State area for over 20 years now and proudly offer our fireproof concrete and steel facilities as the perfect place to safely store your goods. We provide 24/7 access to our units, as well as onsite security. Our number one priority is your merchandise’s safety and preservation.
Save money, time, and energy by partnering with a professional storage company you can trust. Begin the process today by calling our office at (718) 424-6000 or by filling out our contact form.
