Do I Need a Medication Lockbox?

Medications play a crucial role in many people’s lives to help manage and treat multiple health conditions. It is estimated that every month, nearly 50% of Americans will use a prescription medication, and close to 25% of Americans will use three or more prescription medications.

Considering that many households contain prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, questions may arise regarding safety — especially if you are concerned others may access these medications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 50,000 children end up in the emergency room every year because they get a hold of medications they should not have. There’s also a concern for some people about family members or visitors having access to strong or habit-forming medications.

Here, we’ll discuss one of the safest ways to store your medications at home — a medication lockbox.

Should I get a medication lockbox?

As we’ll detail later in this article, there are multiple ways to store medications away from people who should not have access to them. However, storing medications in child-protective bottles or even in a hidden spot may not be enough to deter children, pets, and other people from accessing your medications.

If you have medications that could be dangerous for others if accidentally taken — like opioids, heart medications, and anxiety medications — a medication lockbox may be a good choice for you. A lockbox is also helpful to keep your medications safe when traveling or for extra privacy.

How do I get a medication lockbox?

There are multiple lockboxes currently available to buy, and many local pharmacies readily carry them. Many lockboxes are used for other valuables, such as jewelry, money, or important documents. These lockboxes could also work for your medications. However, there are special medicine lockboxes that you may prefer.

For example, some lockboxes can attach to the wall and serve as a medicine cabinet. Other medication lockboxes have inserts that will keep pill bottles steady, so they do not shake around if you’re transporting the box. Some even have padded interiors to protect glass medication bottles or vials while traveling.

How do I choose a medicine lockbox?

Ultimately, you’ll want to consider how large of a storage space you need, the number of pill bottles you have, and what works well in your life and living space. For example, if you have a small number of prescription vials, you may prefer pill bottles with locking caps that require a combination to open instead of a full-sized lockbox.

Another thing to consider is how you want to keep the box locked. Many lockboxes will use a key, numerical code, or both. You will want to choose locking features that work best to deter others who may have access to the box. For example, a simple key may keep out a small child, but an adult may be able to pick such a lock.

Lockboxes will range in price but if you shop around you can often find them for between $20 and $50. Metal containers generally cost more than plastic lockboxes, and larger containers cost more than smaller ones. The more complex the lock on the box is, the more expensive it will be.

What medications should I put in my lockbox?

The first step you need to take before using a lockbox is to organize your medications. Gather up all of your medications, and determine if any of them are expired or no longer needed. You should then dispose of them safely at a designated medication dropbox or drop-off location.

Once you have done this, determine if any medications need any special storage. For example, with some injectable medications, like insulin, you’ll need a refrigerator. Generally, most medications should be stored in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures. 

You should also decide if you want to store all or only some of your medications in the lockbox. For instance, you may choose only to lock away prescriptions that could be potentially misused by others, such as opioids, stimulants, or certain anxiety medications.

Proper storage of these types of medications has been a growing concern for many healthcare providers. In a small study, 77% of people taking opioids for cancer pain reported storing their prescriptions unsafely or in an unsecured place.

Another small study investigated how parents stored medication away from their children. Only 4% of parents reported using a locked container or drawer for storing medications. However, over 90% of them stated they would use a lockbox if one were available to them.

One last thing to consider is not locking up medications that are needed in an emergency, such as an EpiPen for life-threatening allergies, rescue inhalers for lung conditions, or under-the-tongue nitroglycerin tablets for heart attacks. Needles and syringes for injectable medications may also not fit in a lockbox, so it’s best to store them higher up if this is the case.

Where should I store my lockbox?

Your lockbox should ideally be easily accessible by you or a trusted person that helps you with your medications, like a spouse or nurse. Anyone with access should know how to operate the box, such as having a key or knowing the combination. Do not share the key or combination with anyone else. After removing medications, lock the box and store it in a location that is out of sight. 

Keep in mind, a medicine lockbox is only a deterrent for others and is not a perfect method for keeping people out. A determined individual can still take the lockbox or try to force it open, especially outside of your presence.

Are there alternative methods to store my medication? 

The CDC has partnered with others to create the Up and Away initiative. This campaign aims to teach parents, grandparents, and others who care for children how to store medications safely.

Some helpful tips include:

• Store medications in a high place out of the reach of children.

• Never leave medications out in the open — like on a counter or bathroom sink — where children can get them.

• Use child protection caps and make sure they are sealed tight. Listen for the “click” these caps make when fully closed or twist until the cap no longer turns.

• When traveling with medications, keep medications in their original containers with their child-resistant caps.

• Teach children about medication safety and who to trust to take medication from. Never tell your child that medicine is candy, even if they don’t want to take their medication.

• Tell your guests to put any bags, purses, or suitcases that contain medications up high or behind a locked door while at your house.

If you believe your child has accidentally taken medication, call the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

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Written by:

Timothy Aungst, PharmD

Timothy Aungst, PharmD, has worked in pharmacy practice for the past decade with different roles and responsibilities. He has served as an associate professor of pharmacy practice for almost a decade, a clinical pharmacist in outpatient cardiology management, and now in home healthcare.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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