A Health Moment! (Discarding Medications)

Proper Medication Disposal

1) DO NOT FLUSH unused medications.  Due to recent environmental impact studies it is found that this causes an adverse impact on the environment.  The FDA has determined that certain medications should be flushed due to their abuse potential.

2) When tossing unused medications, protect children and pets from the potentially negative effects.  American Pharmaceutical Association recommends that consumers:
     
Crush solid medications or dissolve them in water (this applies for liquid medications as well) and mix with kitty litter or sawdust (or any material that absorbs the dissolved medication and makes it less appealing for pets or children to eat), then place in a sealed plastic bag before tossing in the trash.

Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription label from the medication container).

Exception:  Because of the potential for diversion or abuse, it is recommended that controlled drugs should still be flushed.

3) Check your area for local "take-back" programs.

Above info from Travis AFB Pharmacies.  Check your local pharmacies for possible differences. I have read somewhere that used coffee grounds can also be used to absorb medications.