Medication Disposal Safety Tips

Keeping YOU and your family safe!

Dispose of expired or unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs safely. NEVER dispose by flushing down the toilet or other drain. Doing this can cause harm to the planet, animals, YOU and your family.

Where can I properly dispose of my unused medications?

Check to see if there are any drug take-back programs near you. If there is not a program near you, follow the steps in the Staying Safe box on the right to dispose of unwanted drugs.

Why do I need to properly dispose of my unused medications?

It isn’t safe to flush drugs down drains or throw them out in the trash. Drugs flushed down drains can harm the water supply that we drink, and wildlife. Dispose of drugs the right way to prevent someone taking them by accident, or through an illegal sale. Protect children and pets from harm caused by accidental in gestion.

Who can I talk to if I am unsure about how to properly dispose of my unused medications?

Ask your VA pharmacist how to safely dispose of your medications.

**Due to the high risk for harm, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends flushing for certain potent pain medications. A list of these medications can be found by going to the FDA’s website (www.fda.gov) and searching for “Disposal by Flushing”

You can also help...

Prevent drug misuse, abuse, and accidental poisonings.

   Make a difference by following these

DO's

&

DON'Ts

• DO keep medications in the original
    container and out of sight and reach of
    children and pets.
  
• DO store your medications in a secure
    area. Consider a cabinet or drawer
    that you can lock.
  
• DO check the date on everything in
    your medicine cabinet and dispose of
    anything that has passed the
    expiration date.
  
• DO check to see which medications
    need to be refrigerated. Make sure
    they are stored where they will not
    freeze and where children cannot
    easily reach them.
  

• DON’T take medications in front of
    children, since they tend to mimic
    adults.
  
• DON’T give your medications to others to
    or take someone else’s medi-
    cations.
  
• DON’T put different medications into
    one bottle.
  
• DON’T store medications in places that
    are hot and humid.
  
• DON’T take a medication that looks
    different (i.e. color, shape, size, etc.)
    than you are accustomed to without
    first checking with your pharmacist.
  

and remember!

Proper disposal of medications will keep you, your family, your pets and the environment safe! It will also keep medications from being diverted and used illegally.