Next Medication Take Back Event
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 10:00 – 2:00
For information on locations click here

DISPOSAL OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Question: Can an individual return his/her controlled substance prescription medication to a pharmacy?
Answer: No. An individual patient may not return his/her unused controlled substance prescription medication to the pharmacy. Federal laws and regulations make no provisions for an individual to return the controlled substance prescription medication to a pharmacy for further dispensing or for disposal. The Code of Federal Regulations does have a provision for an individual to return his/her unused controlled substance medication to the pharmacy in the event of the controlled substance being recalled or a dispensing error has occurred.

An individual may dispose of his/her own controlled substance medication without approval from DEA. Medications should be disposed of in such a manner that does not allow for the controlled substances to be easily retrieved. In situations where an individual has expired, a caregiver or hospice staff member may assist the family with the proper disposal of any unused controlled substance medications. Click for Medication Disposal Guidelines

GUIDELINES FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF MEDICATION
• Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw them in the trash.
• Mixing prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, will further ensure the drugs are not diverted.
• Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back events that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.