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How to Throw Out Unused Drugs in the US

Use by Date (Expired Drugs)? ‚  
Read the label on your drug package to see if there are any steps to follow for the best way to get rid of any drugs you do not use. Follow the steps that are given. ‚  
The "take-back" program ‚  
The best way to get rid of these drugs is to find a service in your city or county that will take back and get rid of your unused, not wanted, or out-of-date drugs. Call your city trash and recycling services to see if they offer this program. Your local pharmacy may also offer this service or may know of other places where you can find one. ‚  
As part of a nationwide effort, many states are setting up special take-back events where drugs can be turned in for safe disposal. ‚  
Throwing drugs away in the trash ‚  
If you cannot find a take-back program in your city or town you can throw most drugs away in the trash. Before you do, be sure to: ‚  
  • Check with your trash service to make sure it is OK to throw drugs away in your trash.
  • Remove tablets and capsules from their original holders and mix in coffee grounds, kitty litter, or sawdust.
  • Add salt, flour, or spices to the bottles of liquid drugs. Tape lids with heavy tape.
  • Seal in a plastic bag or container.
  • Throw the container or bag away in your trash.
  • Note: Do not crush tablets or capsules.

Flushing drugs down a toilet or sink ‚  
There are a few drugs that have more chance of causing very bad reactions or even death if used by a child, pet, or someone who should not be taking or using them. These are drugs that you should get rid of as quickly as you can when they are no longer needed. When you cannot find a take-back program, the FDA has given a list of drugs as ones that can be flushed down a toilet or sink. Do not flush any drugs down a toilet or sink that are not on this list. ‚  
This is the list of drugs that the FDA has said may be flushed: ‚  
  • Actiq lozenge (fentanyl citrate)
  • Avinza extended release capsules (morphine sulfate)
  • Daytrana patch (methylphenidate)
  • Demerol tablets or solution (meperidine hydrochloride)
  • Diastat or Diastat AcuDial rectal gel (diazepam)
  • Dilaudid tablets or liquid (hydromorphone hydrochloride)
  • Dolophine tablets (methadone hydrochloride)
  • Durgesic extended release patch (fentanyl)
  • Embeda extended release capsules (morphine sulfate, naltrexone hydrochloride)
  • Exalgo extended release tablets (hydromorphone hydrochloride)
  • Fentora tablets (fentanyl citrate)
  • Kadian extended release capsules (morphine sulfate)
  • Methadone hydrochloride solution or tablets
  • Methadose tablets (methadone hydrochloride)
  • Morphine sulfate immediate release tablets and solution
  • MS Contin extended release tablets (morphine sulfate)
  • Nucynta ER extended release tablets (tapentadol)
  • Onsolis soluble film (fentanyl citrate)
  • Opana immediate release tablets (oxymorphone hydrochloride)
  • Opana ER extended release tablets (oxymorphone hydrochloride)
  • Oxecta immediate release tablets (oxycodone hydrochloride)
  • Oxycodone hydrochloride capsules and oral solution
  • Oxycontin extended release tablets (oxycodone hydrochloride)
  • Percocet tablets (acetaminophen, oxycodone hydrochloride)
  • Percodan tablets (aspirin, oxycodone hydrochloride)
  • Xyrem solution (sodium oxybate)

Some Other Helpful Tips: ‚  
  • Keep all drugs away from children and pets.
  • Never give your drugs to anyone else to use.
  • Only buy what you need and will use.
  • Talk with your pharmacist if you have any questions on how to get rid of any unused drugs.
  • Talk with your pharmacist if you are not sure if a drug is safe to take.
  • Keep all of your drugs in one place so you always know what you have.
  • Check the "use by" dates often and get rid of drugs that have expired or those you are no longer taking. Prescription drugs tell you on the label when the drug will will no longer be good. For OTC drugs, there will be a date printed on the package to tell you when to use the drug by. If you cannot find the use by date on the drug package, you should throw it away if you have had it longer than a year.
  • If you use a puffer (inhaler), make sure you know the right way to throw away once it is no longer needed or being used. Some puffers can be thrown in the trash while others have special ways to throw out. Many puffers should not be punctured or thrown in a fire. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your pharmacist.
  • Make sure your name and other health information cannot be read on the label or package when you throw the drugs away. Cover by using a marker or tear the label off the package or bottle.

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you why I need to get rid of unused drugs.
  • I can tell you the best way to safely get rid of drugs that I no longer need or that are expired.
  • I can tell you who I will talk with if I have questions about how to get rid of my drugs.

Where can I learn more?


U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚  
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm ‚  
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186187.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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