Do you have unused prescription meds that are expired or that you don’t need anymore that you need to dispose of safely? The National DEA Take-Back Day on April 27th ( which changes every year ) is your opportunity to get rid of your unused prescription meds in a safe way so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands. Here is valuable information from The Medicine Abuse Project about how to dispose of your unused prescription meds.
Because medicines are commonly found in family medicine cabinets, on top of dressers, in kitchen cabinets, and in other accessible locations, it is important to take stock of the drugs in your home. If you have unwanted or expired prescriptions, you must dispose of them in order to keep your child safe.
Here are three ways to dispose of your medicines – and protect your child from the dangers of prescription medicine:
1. Participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take-Back Day
The next DEA-facilitated National Take-Back Day is scheduled for April 27, 2013. Learn more and find a take-back location near you
2. Find a permanent take-back location near you
If you can’t make it to the National DEA Take-Back Day on April 27th, check out the American Medicine Chest Challenge, which has established a national directory of permanent prescription collection sites in 50 states across the country. Find the center nearest you and dispose of your medicines today
3. At-Home Prescription Medication Disposal:
If you are unable to attend a drug take-back day or cannot get to a permanent prescription collection site, you can still dispose of your medicines. Because it is bad for our environment (the ground, water and air) to flush medicine down the toilet, try mixing unwanted prescription medicines with coffee grounds or kitty litter. This makes pills less appealing and less recognizable to anyone who can see your trash – including your kids. For more information on at-home disposal, check out this FDA guide.
There is no reason to hold on to meds you no longer need, but sometimes it is hard to dispose of them properly. Make sure to mark your calendars for April 27th and get rid of those unused prescription meds that are just sitting around! It could save a life.
