North Carolina Poison Control

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.

03/21/2025

As we prepare to wind down National Poison Prevention Week, did you know you can also chat with poison control? The same nurses and pharmacists who answer the phones at NC Poison Control also answer the chats. Watch this video, made for teens, that highlights our chat service:

Visit www.NCPoisonControl.org to start a chat.

03/20/2025

Healthcare providers across the country rely on poison centers for expert advice, and so can you. When you call NC Poison Control, you’ll be connected to a nurse or pharmacist who can provide:

📞 Accurate information about poisons and treatments.
📞 Expert guidance on the best course of action for you or your loved one.
📞 Confidential and non-judgmental service, so you can feel comfortable discussing your situation.

When you need us, we’re here for you at 1-800-222-1222. Save our number to your phone.

03/19/2025

We enjoyed visiting with patients and staff at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital this week for National Poison Prevention Week! Mike, one of our pharmacists, was able to help represent NC Poison Control in our community to talk about everything from medication safety to venomous creatures.

03/19/2025

NC Poison Control’s cases about childhood cannabis exposures are increasing. If cannabis products are in the home, follow these tips to prevent a child’s access:

• Keep cannabis containing products in a secure place out of sight and reach of children. A child can become sick after eating only 1 gummy.
• Understand that edible cannabis products can look like candy or other treats to children.
• Know that edibles come in a variety of edible preparations like gummies, cookies, candies, and various snack foods. Store edible cannabis products away from other food to avoid a mix-up.

The signs of cannabis poisoning can include severe tiredness, weakness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and trouble breathing.

Contact NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect a poisoning related to a cannabis product.

03/18/2025

A popular misconception about poison control is that we’re only here for parents of young children. If you’re an older adult, or caring for an older adult, this post is for you! Medication mistakes are a common reason older adults need help from poison control. Watch this 1-minute video for steps to help prevent a medication mistake. If you do need our help with a medication error, we’re here to help around the clock: 1-800-222-1222.

03/17/2025

Cleaning products and personal care products are among the leading substances that people contact poison control about. Watch this common scenario about a childhood exposure and take these steps to prevent cleaning product and personal care exposures:

• Store personal care and cleaning products up and out of reach.
• Talk to children about how some products may look like food or drink but are not meant to eat.
• Remember that children are curious and like to imitate adult behavior.

03/16/2025

Today is the first day of National Poison Prevention Week! The theme of is “When the unexpected happens, we’re here for you.” Have you ever received help from poison control when an unexpected poison exposure happened? Let us know in the comments. NC Poison Control is open 24/7, 365 days a year for questions and emergencies, with fast, free, confidential, and expert advice.