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Important Alerts
Updates

As of May 5, 2025, Podiatry in West New York has relocated to 201 State Rt 17 in Rutherford.

As of April 28, 2025, Primary Care in Haddon Heights has relocated to 2 South Black Horse Pike in Mt. Ephraim.

As of April 28, 2025, Cardiology in Haddon Heights has relocated to 322 Route 38, Cherry Hill.

As of  April 21, 2025 Pediatrics – Wall at 1560 State Route 138 has relocated to 3350 State Route 138.

As of April 14, 2025 Primary Care – Voorhees has relocated to 165 S Black Horse Pike, Runnemede.

As of April 14, 2025  Pediatrics – Manasquan has relocated to  3350 State Route 138 Wall.

As of April 7, 2025, Podiatry in Bayonne has relocated to 191 Lefante Way, Suite C in Bayonne.

As of April 7, 2025  Gastroenterology – Hackensack and Cardiology – Hackensack have relocated to 1 Maywood Avenue in Maywood.

As of April 7, 2025 Primary Care – Moorestown and Cardiology – Moorestown have relocated to Cherry Hill at 322 Route 38, Cherry Hill.

As of April 7,  2025,  Primary Care – Secaucus  and Gastroenterology – Secaucus have relocated to Rutherford at 201 Route 17 11th Floor Rutherford.

As of March 31, 2025, Primary Care – Rutherford has relocated to 201 Route 17, Suite 1102 in Rutherford.

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Office and Urgent Care Closures

Extended Hours in Lake Success  will be closed on Sunday, May 11, Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.

The Croton-on-Hudson lab is temporarily closed until further notice.

COVID-19 Information and Updates

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available ›

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Home ❯ Patient resources ❯ Medication safety

Recognizing drug misuse

Drug misuse happens when substances are taken for a purpose that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines. Examples of this include:

  • Taking incorrect dosages
  • Taking a prescribed medication at the wrong time
  • Forgetting to take a dose
  • Stopping taking the medication too soon
  • Taking a drug for reasons other than prescribed
  • Taking a drug that was not prescribed to you

Recognizing drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse is much more common, and closer to home than you may think.

Taking an extra dose of medication because you don’t feel the medicine’s full effects, or giving medication to a sick family member to help them is potentially harming yourself and others. Taking medications without your provider’s orders is incredibly unsafe and may cause an overdose, adverse reactions or create an addiction.

Optum medical addiction treatment

If you or someone in your family is struggling with addiction and the challenging symptoms of withdrawal, you can get expert help from our comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program.

Learn more about medical addiction treatment ›

Safe practices:

  • Take medications exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Use a weekly or monthly pill box to organize your pills.
  • Set a reminder alarm.
  • Give a family member or caregiver an updated copy of your medication list, including any special instructions.
  • Bring your updated medication list with you to all medical appointments.
  • Check all prescriptions before travel or inclement weather so that you won’t run out.
  • Properly dispose of expired or unused prescriptions.
  • Use the same pharmacy to fill all prescriptions so they can help keep track of your medications and allergies.

Avoid common and dangerous mistakes:

  • Don’t stop taking an antibiotic just because you are feeling better. Make sure to follow the directions on the medicine bottle.
  • Never use medications prescribed for someone else.
  • Never take expired medications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing overdose or other misuse, call the American Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222