Prescription pain drugs are the second-most commonly abused category of drugs in the U.S.

• When used as directed, prescription drugs are safe and effective.
• When abused, prescription drugs can be dangerous, addictive and deadly.

The availability of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs are a major contributor to prescription drug abuse. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, more than 70% of prescription pain drug abuse involved drugs obtained from a friend or relative, and nearly one third of suicide attempts among veterans involve prescription medication. Our beneficiaries can reduce these risks by safely disposing their drugs through the MHS Drug Take Back program. 

• Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• Pills, tablets, capsules
• Ointments
• Creams
• Lotions
• Powders
• Liquid medicines (no more than 4 oz.)

You can’t accept any of the following items at your facility. Please direct patients to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Website for details about disposing of these and other hazardous materials.

• Illegal drugs
• Aerosol spray cans
• Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
• Needles, syringes or sharps containers
• More than 4 oz. of liquid
• Trash
• Mercury thermometers
• Batteries
• Chemicals
• Home-based care or durable medical equipment supplies

Yes. In addition to these MHS Drug Take Back activities, you can participate in law enforcement-sponsored drug take back events that occur throughout the year.

No. Per DEA rules, pharmacists and other pharmacy staff cannot accept drugs from a patient to dispose of. They must physically put the drugs in the collection bin or envelope.