- Know what to dispose of: Before disposing of any medications, it’s important to check the expiration date and any special disposal instructions. Some medications, such as controlled substances, may require special disposal methods.
- Use a drug take-back program: Many communities have drug take-back programs that allow you to safely and securely dispose of expired or unused medications. Contact your local pharmacy or law enforcement agency for information on drug take-back programs in your area.
- Mix medication with an undesirable substance: If a drug take-back program is not available in your area, you can mix the medication with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and place it in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of it in the trash.
- Remove personal information: Before disposing of any medication, make sure to remove or black out any personal information, such as your name and address, to protect your privacy.
- Keep medication out of reach of children: Store all medications, including expired and unused medications, out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Educate your family: Educate your family about the dangers of taking expired or unused medications and the importance of safely disposing of them.
Statistics for Childhood Overdoses:
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 60,000 children visit the emergency room each year for accidental medication overdoses.
- The majority of these overdoses are due to children finding and ingesting medications that were not properly stored.
- In addition, the National Poison Data System reports that over half of all poison exposures in children occur in the home, with medication being the leading cause of poisoning in children under the age of six.
By following these tips and being vigilant about the safe storage and disposal of expired or unused medications, you can help prevent childhood overdoses and keep your family safe.