Doctors prescribe pain management medicine to help patients recover from a variety of injuries and conditions. These substances offer relief, but if they’re not properly disposed of, they may fall into the wrong hands and lead to overdose or poisoning. Protect your community by using one of these three methods to discard your unused or expired pain management medicine.
3 Safe Ways to Dispose of Pain Management Medicine
1. Find a Drug Take Back Program
Each year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On this day, which will be October 24, 2020, communities around the country open DEA-approved collection sites where you can bring your medications to be safely disposed of.
Contact the DEA or your local law enforcement officials to locate a participating site near you. You can also locate year-round, DEA-authorized collection sites online or ask your local pharmacy if they collect unused medicines.
2. Flush It Down the Toilet or Sink
If you can’t find a nearby collection site, you may be able to flush your medicine down the toilet or sink. However, make sure your medicine is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s list of medicines recommended for flushing. This list features medicines that would present an extreme danger if they were thrown in the trash and found by someone else, such as medicines that contain highly addictive substances like fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.
Before using this method, check your community’s laws and regulations regarding medicine disposal. Some communities forbid flushing medicines in case they contaminate nearby water sources.
3. Throw It in the Trash
If you can’t find a nearby collection site or flush your medicine, throw it in the trash. First, though, take it out of its container and mix it with dirt, cat litter, coffee grounds, or another unappealing substance.
Put the mixture in a sealed bag so it can’t leak out, and place it in the trash. Next, use a marker or pen to cover any personal information on the medicine’s container and recycle or trash it.
If you’ve been injured and think you might benefit from pain management medicine, turn to Accident Doctors. With offices in Mesa, Phoenix, & Gilbert, AZ, these compassionate doctors specialize in treating patients who’ve experienced auto accidents or workplace injuries. Their treatment methods include prescription medicines and cortisone injections. They can also refer you to physical therapists, neurosurgeons, and other medical professionals so you can get the comprehensive care you deserve. Learn more about the practice online and call (602) 632-0000 to schedule a doctor’s appointment today.