UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Saturday, Oct. 26, you have an opportunity to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications during the 27th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, says drug overdoses are an epidemic in the United States and a “clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat.”
The DEA says drug overdose deaths claim more than 300 lives every day. A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows a majority of people who misuse a prescription medication got that medicine from a family member or friend.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was created to highlight the importance of disposing of them properly.
“Most of the time, hospitals and police departments will have a permanent drug box located at their station or site. You can always take your medications here and dispose of them safely if you don’t want to do them at home,” said Kylie Hunter, an Aspirus Pharmacy Resident.
If you do want to do it at home, Hunter says some medications can be flushed, and the package insert you receive from your pharmacist will indicate that.
“For medications that can’t be flushed, the best way to dispose [of] those medications is going to be by placing them in a plastic bag and mixing it with coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt. You’ll make sure to seal the bag and remove any protected health information,” explained Hunter. “Sharps can be disposed [of] safely at home. The best way that you’ll do this is by taking an old plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle or perhaps a milk jug, and placing your syringes inside, sealing it at the top, and placing a label on it that says ‘syringes.’”
To participate in Drug Take Back Day, check for a location near you and what items are accepted at DEATakeBack.com. Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 sites nationwide.
