Keep them safe.  Clean them out.  Take them back.  The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) promotes this biannual National Prescription Take Back campaign, occurring every April and October. This initiative allows for safe and anonymous means to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications in law enforcement locations all over the United States.  There is hope that by the removal of these medications from homes all across the nation, it will lessen the potential for pollution, environmental effects impacting public health, as well as greatly decreasing the potential of misuse and possible tragic outcomes when found in the wrong hands, such as children, pets and teens or adults.  It may very well be the first line of defense, for some, in the prevention of opioid use disorder, overdose and overdose deaths.

By going to www.dea.gov/takebackday, those interested can search for collection sites nearest to their chosen location.  For those who may not be able to make it on April 27, 2024, there are at least 193 permanent prescription drug disposal locations in Kentucky that offer year-round services for medication disposal.  Kentucky locations by county can be found on the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy website (Prescription Drug Disposal Locations – Office of Drug Control Policy (ky.gov).  Your local waste disposal provider may offer guidance on how to properly dispose of medications if unable to attend a take back event and there is an FDA approved flush list that is used only as a next best option for potentially dangerous drugs that, for some, may be harmful with even a single dose (Drug Disposal: FDA’s Flush List for Certain Medicines | FDA).

So how and where can you promote proper medication disposal in the workplace, home, or community?  Maybe it is simply taking inventory of your personal medicine cabinet at home or those of extended family.  Maybe it is incorporating disposal training and education with your patients at discharge.  Wherever that may be, as one large team, protecting our fellow citizens, patients, family, and environment, we can spread the word regarding safe medication handling.