{"id":3855,"date":"2019-03-13T12:53:13","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T16:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3855"},"modified":"2020-07-17T13:14:03","modified_gmt":"2020-07-17T17:14:03","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-unused-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-unused-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get rid of unused medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open up your medicine cabinet. Chances are pretty good that you\u2019ve got some old medicines in there somewhere. Holding on to unused drugs might seem like no big deal, but they may be putting people in danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest concern is that leftover painkillers get used by someone other than for whom they were prescribed. It\u2019s a significant driver of the opioid crisis,\u201d said <\/span>Craig K. Svensson<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., PhD, dean emeritus and professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology at <\/span>Purdue University College of Pharmacy<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

But leftover painkillers aren\u2019t the only medicines to watch out for\u2014even surplus antibiotics and other drugs can pose a threat. \u201cI worked at a poison control center for years, and I can\u2019t tell you how often children were poisoned after getting into prescription medicines,\u201d said Svensson.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just toss those pills in the trash, though. It\u2019s important to learn how to dispose of medication safely. Here\u2019s what to do with your unwanted old prescriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Check for a local drug disposal program<\/b><\/h2>\n

One of the best ways to get rid of your unused or expired medicines is through a local disposal program, according to the <\/span>U.S. Food & Drug Administration<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA number of pharmacies have medicine take-back programs. It\u2019s usually a drop box inside the pharmacy where you put your prescription bottles and the pharmacy will dispose of them safely,\u201d said Svensson. Select <\/span>CVS pharmacies<\/span><\/a> accept unneeded prescription medications. Walgreens pharmacies offer <\/span>DisposeRx boxes<\/span><\/a> at select locations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some hospitals, clinics, and police stations also accept unwanted medications for safe drug disposal. You can find <\/span>controlled substance disposal locations in your area <\/span><\/a>through the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>How pharmacists can help prevent prescription drug abuse<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Flush dangerous medicines<\/b><\/h2>\n

Can\u2019t find a medicine take-back program in your area? Don\u2019t worry\u2014you\u2019ve got a disposal option right in your own bathroom: the toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should flush any drugs that someone could potentially abuse, such as opioids or Xanax,\u201d advised Svensson.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not every type of drug should be flushed. Before you empty your bottles in the toilet, look for disposal instructions that may have come with your prescriptions. Or, use the <\/span>FDA\u2019s recommendations<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The drugs you should flush include (see link for examples of brand names where these ingredients can be found):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n