Inform your clients how to safely dispose of old, unused, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. Organizations such as police stations and pharmacies host drug take-back days or have drug disposal kiosks. We created a handout for clients explaining the options: vetmed.illinois.edu/disposing-of-unused-medications-for-pets/
The Drug Enforcement Agency has a website for finding drug take-back locations near you:
That site also has links to information about steps to take if no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no prescription drug take-back program is available in your area.
Inform clients that certain medications, including buprenorphine and fentanyl patches, are so potentially harmful that the FDA has determined that they should be flushed down the sink or the toilet immediately once they are no longer needed, if a take-back location is not a feasible option.
This month’s column is from Alex Gochenauer, PharmD, FSVHP.
