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Pharmacy Times
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Unused, unwanted, and expired medications pose a serious threat to both public health and the environment.
Most households in the United States have some sort of medication, either prescription or OTC, in them. These medications should be disposed of when they expire or are no longer wanted or needed, but patients often have questions regarding the proper way to dispose of them. Pharmacists should recommend proper disposal guidance and explain the possible consequences of improper disposal.
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Disposing of medications appropriately helps prevent environmental contamination of water and soil. Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites found in the environment have been shown to negatively affect fish and other wildlife. Examples include animals’ ability to reproduce, alterations in behavior, and direct toxic effects. Effects on humans include interactive effects, bioaccumulation of certain substances, and an increase in antibiotic resistance.1
Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh, earned her doctoral degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has more than 30 years of experience as a community pharmacist and works as a clinical medical writer based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Improper medication disposal may also lead to misuse or abuse. Individuals with substance abuse disorders can find disposed medications and use them or sell them, leading to addiction, overdose, or other health problems. Accidental poisoning of children or pets can also occur, leading to serious consequences.2
American households have several options when it comes to safely disposing of unwanted household medications3-5:
Pharmacists play a critical role in promoting the safe and responsible disposal of medications. Pharmacists are encouraged to counsel patients on the consequences of improper drug disposal and educate them on the safe options available, including take-back programs, mail-back envelopes, and proper home disposal methods.
Participation in take-back programs is essential, with pharmacists actively promoting these initiatives by providing information and directing patients to the most convenient collection locations. For pharmacies that maintain a drug take-back kiosk, it is important to ensure secure collection by keeping the kiosks locked when the pharmacy is closed, promptly emptying them when full, and scheduling timely pickups.
In addition to supporting take-back efforts, pharmacists should educate patients on how to securely dispose of medications at home, offering guidance on the materials and methods to prevent unauthorized access. Staying current with regulatory requirements related to pharmaceutical waste disposal is also vital to ensure compliance. Lastly, pharmacists should consider offering mail-back envelopes at no charge to provide patients with a convenient and secure alternative to other disposal options.
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