{"id":56495,"date":"2023-01-19T09:30:13","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T14:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56495"},"modified":"2025-10-12T12:03:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T16:03:53","slug":"counseling-patients-on-medication-disposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/counseling-patients-on-medication-disposal\/","title":{"rendered":"How pharmacies can advise patients on disposing of their Rx"},"content":{"rendered":"

The responsible and safe disposal of medication has become a widespread concern in the United States and across the globe. Patients are often unaware of the proper way to get rid of expired, unused, or old medicines. They might throw prescription bottles into the trash or flush unused drugs down the toilet. This can be a serious concern, especially if the medications are potentially toxic or controlled substances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients may have leftover medications for a <\/span>number of reasons<\/span>: They switched to a new drug, the drug expired, or the patient passed away. <\/span>In other cases, patients may be <\/span>non-adherent to their medications<\/span><\/a>, forgetting to take them or feeling like they no longer need to take them, which could be another issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers often overlook advising patients on how to dispose of their medications. Through proper counseling and guidance, pharmacists can address patient concerns and questions about proper medication disposal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The risks of improper drug disposal\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Disposing drugs improperly can have severe consequences on the environment, animals, and humans. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are known to leach into the environment, contaminating the water supply and negatively affecting wildlife. Almost <\/span>100 different pharmaceuticals<\/span><\/a> have been found to contaminate rivers, lakes, and wetlands, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and antihypertensives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other problems can arise if patients aren\u2019t disposing of medications at all. Storing unused or expired medications can carry a risk of accidental poisoning in children, pets, and loved ones. Diversion is also a concern with storing unused medications. Family members or friends may easily access unused medications, which could lead to an overdose, misuse, or abuse. More than <\/span>50%<\/span><\/a> of people who use pain relievers say they obtain them from a family member or friend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Counseling patients on proper drug disposal<\/span><\/h2>\n

Patients of all ages need guidance for handling expired or unused medications. Patients should be aware of a few key points to dispose of medications properly. Pharmacists and healthcare professionals can counsel patients on the following.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n