Keep Medications Out of Reach This Halloween Season
Aspirus reminds families to store medicines safely and prevent accidental poisonings
10/27/2025
Kenneth Yuk, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident
As Halloween approaches, candy is everywhere, but not everything that looks like candy is safe to eat.
“Many medications are small, colorful, and sometimes flavored to make them easier to take,” said Kenneth Yuk, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident. “That can make it easy for children to mistake medicine for candy, especially around Halloween when sweets are more visible and accessible.”
Even a small amount of adult medication can be dangerous for children. Medicines are often formulated for adult body weights and can cause harmful side effects or serious health complications when taken by a child.
Yuk recommends designating one secure, high cabinet as the household medicine cabinet and keeping all medications stored there, away from humidity, heat, and light. Storing medicine in multiple locations can create confusion and increase the risk of accidental ingestion.
If a child accidentally swallows medication, families should call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Experts can help identify the medicine and determine whether it is safe to monitor at home or if emergency care is needed.
“One simple habit to prevent accidents is to put medicine away immediately after use,” Yuk said. “That small step can make a big difference in keeping kids safe.”
If you have questions about medication safety, talk with your Aspirus pharmacist or health care provider.
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