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Reporting a Medication Error

Throw Away Your Old Medicines Safely

Republished July 16, 2024

At least once a year you should see if any of your medicines should be discarded because they are too old or no longer needed.

On prescription bottles, the label will often tell you when the medicine should be discarded. On over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and sample medicines, the expiration date (the date it should be discarded) is often printed on the label under "EXP," or stamped without ink into the bottom of a bottle or carton, or the crimp of a tube. For medicines without an expiration date, if you do not remember purchasing it within the past year, it is best to throw it away. As time passes, medicines may lose their effectiveness, especially if they are stored in a medicine cabinet in a warm, moist bathroom. In rare cases, outdated medicines could become toxic. For example, taking expired tetracycline (an antibiotic) can cause serious kidney problems.

In the past, most people flushed old medicines down the toilet. This was done to prevent accidental poisonings of children and animals who may find medicines in the trash. But today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) no longer recommends this. Sewage treatment plants may not be able to clean all medicines out of the water. This may harm fish and wildlife.

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service say following these three steps will make a huge difference in disposing medicines safely:

1. DO NOT FLUSH unused medicines. Consumers were once told to flush their expired or unused medicines down the toilet. However, recent environmental impact studies report that this could be having an adverse impact on the environment. While the rule of thumb is not to flush, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that certain medicines should be flushed due to their abuse potential.

2. Protect children and pets.  APhA recommends that consumers:

  • Crush solid medicines or dissolve them in water (this applies for liquid medicines as well) and mix with kitty litter or sawdust (or any material that absorbs the dissolved medicine and makes it less appealing to pets or children). Then, place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag BEFORE tossing in the trash.
  • Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription label) from the medicine container.
  • Check for approved state and local collection programs or with area hazardous waste facilities. In certain states, you may be able to take your unused medicine to your community pharmacy.

3. Talk to your pharmacist. Research shows that pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals. As the medication experts on the healthcare team, pharmacists are available to guide you on how to properly dispose of your unused medications.

In recent years, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event usually takes place the last Saturday in April. You can also take over-the-counter (OTC) and your pets medicines to the Take Back location for disposal.

Following these simple steps can help protect your family and community, minimize a potential negative impact on the environment, and prevent the illegal diversion of unused medicines.

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