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Know what expiration dates mean, and when it's time to trash medications. Getty Images Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Check your expiration dates

Prescription medications have expiration dates on their original containers, but your pharmacist is required only to put a "Discard by" date on the bottle; this date is usually one year from

the date the prescription is filled. So the medication may actually be good for longer than you think. Certain meds should never be used beyond their expiration dates: oral nitroglycerin

(for chest pain), insulin, inhalers and EpiPens. Other drugs you should ensure are full strength include anticonvulsants, warfarin, digoxin and thyroid preparations.

Do now: Ask your pharmacist if the medication can be used safely beyond the "Discard by" date. If your medicine is in its original packaging, look for the expiration date stamped on the side

or bottom. If the expiration date has passed, it's time to get rid of the drug.

Investigate disposal programs

See the Drug Enforcement Administration website, dea.gov, or call 800-882-9539 to find a used-medication collector. Some facilities also offer mail-back programs or drop boxes.

Never flush unused medications down the toilet

Several recent studies have found that this practice results in some medicines contaminating the local water supply.

Do it yourself

Mix medications with used coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter. Put the mixture into a tightly sealed bag or other container to prevent spilling, then place it in the trash.

Some analgesics, including Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase bleeding risk and bump up blood pressure,

explains cardiologist Lawrence Phillips of the New York University Langone Medical Center. Studies show that acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially when taken with alcohol. If your

physician has prescribed powerful opioid medications, such as OxyContin or Percocet, follow his or her orders strictly on dosage and frequency.

Do now: For chronic pain, try nondrug treatments like physical therapy, exercise, weight loss and cold therapy. Store opioids in a locked box or small safe to avoid theft and exposing

children to these potentially addictive drugs.

Herbal supplements can interact with certain prescription medications, causing dangerous side effects. Alex Luli, outpatient pharmacist at the Cleveland Clinic, recommends being especially

cautious with these:

St.-John's-wort. It can interfere with statins and high blood pressure medications.Ginkgo and ginseng. These can interact with blood-thinning meds and increase the risk of bleeding.Kava. It

has been shown to cause liver damage.