When you open a bottle of aspirin, it’s likely you’ll find a little packet. What are they and do we need to keep them once we’ve opened the bottle? Those packets are actually moisture-absorbing packets called “desiccants” that are used to keep pills dry. This is particularly important in capsules, because they will degrade with too much moisture. The packets contain silica, which is an excellent moisture absorber. They’re not toxic, but they are a choking hazard for pets and young children, which is why they often come with “do not eat” warnings. So, do you absolutely have to keep the packet in the pill bottle? Medical authorities say you can safely remove the packet as long as you keep the bottle tightly closed when storing it. However, if you live in a climate that has high humidity and you get a 90-day or longer supply, it’s best to leave the desiccant in place. That will minimize humidity getting into the bottle, as well as removing any risk of swallowing the desiccant by mistake.
