How To Dispose Unused Medicines

We are indeed a fortunate generation to be living in the era of medical advancement. There is a plethora of medicines available today to cure various ailments and impart good health to one and all. However, as valuable as they are for consumers, they can prove to be extremely harmful for the rest. Given the side effects that these have, it is essential to keep them away from the reach of children and pets, who tend to eat whatever they get hold of.

Whether a medicine is replaced by a new prescription or lasts past its expiration date, an unused dose needs to be disposed of. But given that pharma manufacturing makes use of strong chemicals, they can’t be disposed of carelessly. Instead, here is what to do:

• Do not flush

Don’t flush unused medicines down the drain. The chemicals can seep into ground water and impact the environment adversely. Although certain medicines can be flushed, it’s better to avoid it altogether rather than go looking for the list.

• Protect children and pets

Children and pets’ reach extend much beyond the parents’ expectations. Whether unused medicines are tossed inside a dustbin or stacked in a corner, toddlers and pets won’t hesitate to go get them. The better alternatives, therefore, are:

• Dissolve unused medicines in water (including liquid medicines) and crush solid ones, mix them with sawdust or kitty litter (or any other unappealing material which absorbs the dissolved medication), and place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag. Toss this bag in the trash.
• Check for approved local and state collection programs or hazardous waste facilities within the area. Certain states house community pharmacies which accept unused medicines.
  
  
• Talk to your pharmacist

Pharmacists can turn out to be a big help in disposing unused medicines. Having strong connections with both pharma manufacturing companies and doctors, they can guide you on whether to flush your medicines, donate them or get rid of them some other way.

Never let any cabinet in your home become the dumping ground for unused medications. And ensure they end up outside the home instead of entering the ground water or mixing with the soil. Strong medicines contain heavy chemicals which can make both the soil and water toxic and have adverse effects on humans if consumed. So make sure your home stays disease-free while you work your way towards complete health by disposing unused medicines properly.