By Shannin Prather
April 2023 | 2023 Spring Newsletter
The spring-cleaning routine often includes dusting, scrubbing, and decluttering. In addition to tidying around the house, getting rid of expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can keep you and your family safe.
Over time, expired medication will not only lose their effectiveness but may become toxic and harmful. Take time this spring to find and safely dispose of medication you no longer use.
Tips for cleaning out your medicine cabinet:
- Check dates. Get rid of anything expired—including ointments, supplements, and vitamins.
- Discard items that have changed in color, smell, or taste.
- Get rid of unmarked containers. If something is not in its original container and cannot be identified, dispose of it
Take extra care when discarding medications. To prevent environmental harm and make sure the medicine does not get into the wrong hands—including wildlife—do not dump expired medicine into the trashcan or flush them down the toilet. Instead, remove or scratch out personal identifying information and dispose of them safely. Your local pharmacy, police department, or Drug Enforcement Agency may be able to assist in safely disposing of medications.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an annual event scheduled every April. Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an effort that provides a safe, convenient, and responsible place to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.
Collection sites are available year-round as well. To find a nearby collection site, you can visit sccmeds.org, call (800) 882-9539, or visit dea.gov/takebackday.