North Carolina Poison Control

10/24/2025

Saturday, October 25th is National Drug Take Back Day. Getting rid of unused or unwanted medication keeps families and communities safer. Visit the DEA's site to find a collection site in your area.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications fro...

10/21/2025

We are excited to celebrate this week and so thankful for our talented, specialized, and compassionate pharmacists at NC Poison Control. Happy Pharmacy Week!

10/01/2025

When poison center educators from seven different states team up, amazing things can happen! We were thrilled to share our collaborative research project at the NACCT conference in Chicago, which highlights how educators use data to better protect communities from poisoning.

Even though we're in different states, we're all united by one life-saving number: 📞1-800-222-1222—available 24/7, nationwide.

We're proud to be part of a network of incredible people dedicated to public health and safety.

08/26/2025

NC Poison Control can be your lifeline before, during, and after a storm. Check out these possible poisoning scenarios that storms may present--and learn how poison control can help. America's Poison Centers

An increase in venomous snake bites, medication errors and carbon monoxide poisoning after storms like Hurricane Erin can lead to illness or even death, a North Carolina Poison Control expert warns.

08/25/2025

To wrap up our series on storm-related poisonings, we can’t forget food poisoning! Food poisoning can happen after a storm when food isn’t kept at proper temperatures. Common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. You can avoid food poisoning by…

• keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed. A full freezer usually keeps food cold for about 48 hours. Refrigerators will keep food cold for about 4 hours.
• placing a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer to monitor temperatures. If the temperature is 40 degrees or higher, throw food out.
• having food on hand that does not need to be refrigerated.

A good rule of thumb is, when in doubt, throw it out.

If you suspect food poisoning, contact NC Poison Control by phone or chat: 1-800-222-1222 or www.NCPoisonControl.org.

08/18/2025

Snakes aren’t always the first hazard we think of in a storm, but it’s helpful to know that snakes will be displaced when storm-related flooding happens. You can help prevent a snake bite by…

• watching where you step when flooding has occurred, even in areas that are not under water.
• carrying a flashlight at night and at dusk.
• not trying to pick up or kill a snake. It may bite you in the process.

Many people are unaware NC Poison Control provides treatment recommendations for snake bites to you AND your healthcare provider. If someone is bitten by a snake, stay calm, and call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for next steps.

08/11/2025

Storm Preparedness Tip 2: Avoid a medication poisoning. Medications you depend on can be misplaced or mixed-up in the chaos of a storm. Think now about how you’ll store and transport your medicines during a storm:

• Keep medicine in its original bottles. Don’t mix loose medication in a plastic bag or other container.
• Store medicine, in original bottles, in a water-safe container if flooding is a risk.
• Know all the daily medicines you have and how much of each are on hand in case you have to evacuate quickly.

We’re here day or night if a medicine mishap occurs: 1-800-222-1222 or chat with us at www.NCPoisonControl.org.

08/04/2025

This hurricane season, we’re highlighting the dangers of poisoning during a storm. Take note of these tips BEFORE a storm hits. When power outages occur during a hurricane, people can be at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if appliances like generators, grills, and stoves are used improperly.

• Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet from your home, doors, and windows.
• NEVER use a gas stove, camp stove, or charcoal grill inside your home for any reason. This includes the garage.
• Make sure you have a CO detector, with battery backup, near every sleeping area of your home. Visit www.PoisonShop.org to order one for free.

Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect CO poisoning.

06/25/2025

Have you seen a copperhead out this summer? We've been taking lots of calls about copperhead bites. In 2024, NC Poison Control handled over 600 known copperhead cases. Did you know both the public and healthcare providers contact us for treatment recommendations when someone is bitten? Here, NC Poison Control Clinical Toxicologist, Dr. Tony DeGelorm, talks about what to do if bitten and what kind of bite severity to expect.

Experts warn of increased snake activity and offer safety tips.

05/06/2025

It's National Nurses Week--and we have the best around. Thanks, NC Poison Control nurses! You put a lot of minds at ease.

03/22/2025

Thank you, Levine Children's for having us as we celebrate National Poison Prevention Week! And thanks to one of our nurses, Lisa, and pharmacists, Mike, for sharing the value of poison control with the community.

03/22/2025

That’s a wrap on ! Share the gift of poison prevention with a family member or friend. Click the "Shop Materials" circle on our website to order a FREE poison prevention pack. Happy National Poison Prevention Week!
www.NCPoisonControl.org

The home of North Carolina Poison Control, the state poison control center for North Carolina.