Check the FDA website for the location of Take Back locations in your area.
By Alison Crane
Do you know how to safely dispose of unused or expired medicines in your home? Taking medicine according to your doctor’s directions can be lifesaving, but when an unsuspecting adult, a child, or even a family pet is exposed to some medicines, the results can be life threatening. Properly removing medicines is easy to do and can give you peace of mind when it comes to your family’s safety and preventing drug abuse. These three options are recommended by the Food and Drug Administration: Take Back Locations, Flushing, or Trash.
The best option for disposing of medications is to find a local Take Back location for your unused drugs. On October 23, 2021, the DEA Diversion Control Division will be offering the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Another option is to find a local permanent collection site. Removing unused medicines promptly helps you to maintain a safe environment and to prevent temptation. To find where to go for local drop off sites in Garland County, visit the FDA’s website at Drug Disposal: Drug Take Back Locations | FDA. Be sure to remove any personal identification information from any bottles or packaging when dropping off these medications.
If you cannot make it to a Take Back location, you can check to see if your medication is on the flush list for immediate disposal. Medicines on the flush list are those (1) sought-after for their misuse and/or abuse potential and (2) that can result in death from one dose if inappropriately taken.
Before flushing any medication, be sure to check if it is on the flush list first! Here is a link to the list: Drug Disposal: FDA’s Flush List for Certain Medicines | FDA The list will provide you with directions for safe disposal.
If you would like more information on drug abuse prevention or healthy living or if you need assistance with being able to locate a Take Back location near you, contact the Garland County Extension Service at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
