Importance of Safely Disposing Unused Prescriptions
April 22 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Launched in 2010 and led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this awareness day highlights the potential health and safety hazards of not disposing or improperly disposing of unused prescription medications. It also provides helpful facts and resources on the safe disposal of prescriptions.
According to National Poison Control Center data, accidental ingestion of prescription medications by children are some of the most common reasons for calls made to the center. Properly disposing of pain medications, such as opioids, can also help prevent misuse, overdose and the resale of these drugs.
There a several ways to safely dispose of unused prescription medications, including through local collection sites, mail-back programs and home disposal.
Local collection sites: Experts recommend using Dea-authorized collection sites in your local community as a first line of safe disposal. Sites can be located at pharmacies, law enforcement agencies and grocery stores. Use this locator tool to find a collection site near you.
Mail-back programs: Collection sites may also offer mail-back programs for specific drugs. You can ask your pharmacist, doctor's office or local police department about options for mailing in your unused medications.
Home disposal: If a take-back option is not readily available to you, there are options for disposing safely at home. Many over the counter and prescription drugs are safe to throw in the trash, but some may require flushing down the sink or toilet.
Check the Food and Drug Administration flush list to find out if your prescription is safe to be flushed. Follow these instructions for throwing away medications in the trash.
If you or someone you know has a substance use issue, Texas Health and Human Services provides coordinated, person-centered substance use services you may be able to get. For more information, visit the Adult Substance Use Services webpage.
Written by: Olivia Burns, HHS Aging Texas Well Coordinator