It’s not uncommon to collect medications over time. If you do this, it’s likely that some of your medicines have become expired or you no longer need them. You may have them hidden in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or purse.
Now is a good time to take stock of your medicine supply and dispose of old and unwanted medicines. Try these tips from the University Health Center Pharmacy.
Don’t save medications for a rainy day.
If a medication is expired, it’s time to get rid of it. Taking expired medications is dangerous because they lose their potency with time and won’t effectively treat your symptoms. The chemical composition changes, which can be toxic in some cases. Don’t risk it!
Don’t flush them or throw medications away.
Flushing medications down the toilet or rinsing them down the sink can cause them to end up in the local water supply and harm the ecosystem.
Throwing medications in the garbage increases the risk that someone may see them and take them from the trash. It is dangerous for people to consume medication that wasn’t prescribed to them. This can perpetuate drug abuse and put your personal safety at risk.
Another reason not to throw unused medications away is that a child or animal could accidentally take them, which could be fatal.
Instead, gather your medications and take them to a safe medication disposal box, like the one inside the health center pharmacy.
Although it may take more effort and planning on your part, it’s safer and better for the environment to drop off your unwanted medicines at a safe medication disposal box. Before you take them to the pharmacy, sort through your medications and prepare them for disposal.
Most over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be disposed of at your local pharmacy. If you have liquids, make sure to place them in a self-sealing bag before putting them in the medication disposal box. You can leave medications in their original containers with the assurance that all medications will be kept confidential.
If you’re on campus or in Lincoln, you can drop off medicines at the health center pharmacy anytime during business hours. There’s no need to speak to anyone to deposit medications.
If you’re outside of Lincoln, you can search for the nearest safe medication disposal box by using this online tool from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Make a plan for illegal drugs and other items not accepted at pharmacies
Illegal drugs, needles or syringes, sharp containers, medical devices or batteries, aerosol cans or inhalers, chemicals, mercury-containing devices, radiopharmaceuticals and liquid antineoplastic agents often aren’t accepted at local pharmacies. However, you may be able to dispose of them at DEA Take Back Days. This is a free event where law enforcement or federal agencies accept drugs and medications for disposal – no questions asked.
If you have questions about safe medication disposal, call the health center pharmacy at 402.472.7457.