It is important to remember that proper disposal of medicines, both prescription and over the counter, will prevent harm and will ensure the safety of others and the environment. The US Food and Drug Administration discusses the proper disposal of medicines on their website Safe Disposal of Medicines > Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know.
Throughout the country there are medication “Take-Back” Programs for disposal of expired, unwanted or unused medications run by city or county governments. Pharmacists are often able to assist you with information of programs close by.
Otherwise the FDA offers the following steps to safely dispose at home:
- Mix Medicines – (Do NOT crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag
- Throw the container in household trash
There is a small number of medications that are recommended for disposal by flushing which is listed on the FDA website. The FDA does discuss recent reports that this practice will contribute to trace amounts of medicines in the water system. Please reference this discussion for further information. druginfo@fda.hhs.gov.
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