Unused Medicine? Ask About Take-Back

A drug take-back program is the best way to dispose of most expired, unwanted or unused medicines, the FDA says. You can drop them off at a take-back location or mail them in a prepaid drug mail-back envelope.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in communities nationwide, and many communities hold their own events, the FDA says. Check with local law enforcement or the DEA to find an authorized collector. Some pharmacies offer drop-off boxes or kiosks, mail-back programs and other options.

Prepaid mail-back envelopes are sold at retail pharmacies and online, and some pharmacies give them away at no cost, according to the FDA. You fill the envelope with your medicines and seal it.

When no take-back option is easily available, almost all medicines, except those on the FDA flush list, can go in household trash. That includes pills, liquids, drops, patches and creams. The FDA says to take the drugs out of their original containers and mix them with used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter, so they are less appealing to children and pets.

A few medicines carry directions to flush them when they are no longer needed and a take-back option is not readily available. Check the label or patient leaflet, and do not flush a medicine unless it is on the flush list, the agency says. Questions about your medicine go to your pharmacist or health care professional.