drug disposal (medication disposal)
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Introduction
Drugs flushed into the sewage system are detected in rivers,lakes & treated water sources.
Do NOT flush expired or unneeded drugs unless specified by package insert. (Many DEA controlled substances class 2 recommend flushing to prevent diversion).
Dispose of unused opioids in an authorized controlled substance disposal location
- your local police station may have such a collection container[5]
.
Most drugs can be thrown in the trash, but certain precautions should be taken before tossing them out
- follow disposal instructions on the drug label or in the patient information that comes with your medication
- if available, use a drug take-back program that allows you to bring unused drugs to a central location for disposal
- if disposal instructions are not given on the drug label & no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the trash, after:
- taking them out of their original container
- mixing them with something like used coffee grounds or kitty litter
- putting the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container[3]
More general terms
References
- ↑ Prescriber's Letter 14(4): 2007 Patient Handout: Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs Healthcare professional drug disposal information Detail-Document#: http://prescribersletter.com/(5bhgn1a4ni4cyp2tvybwfh55)/pl/ArticleDD.aspx?li=1&st=1&cs=&s=PRL&pt=3&fpt=25&dd=230420&pb=PRL (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- ↑ Prescriber's Letter 15(4): 2008 Proper Disposal of Expired or Unwanted Drugs Detail-Document#: http://prescribersletter.com/(5bhgn1a4ni4cyp2tvybwfh55)/pl/ArticleDD.aspx?li=1&st=1&cs=&s=PRL&pt=3&fpt=25&dd=240419&pb=PRL (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Prescriber's Letter 19(4): 2012 Medication Disposal Guide Detail-Document#: http://prescribersletter.com/(5bhgn1a4ni4cyp2tvybwfh55)/pl/ArticleDD.aspx?li=1&st=1&cs=&s=PRL&pt=3&fpt=25&dd=280408&pb=PRL (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- ↑ U.S. Food & Drug Administration Drug Disposal: Drug Take Back Locations The best way to safely dispose of most types of old, expired, or unused medicines. Content current as of: 12/18/2018 https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-locations
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 NEJM Knowledge+ Pain Management and Opioids: Recharge Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration Fereral Register 79(174) Sept 9, 2014. Rules & Regulations. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-09-09/pdf/2014-20926.pdf.