For some, taking medication can be essential to their overall health and wellness plan. Seniors need to be aware of the expiration date on their medications. They also need to take time for regular audits of medical supplies in medicine cabinets every few months. More importantly, they need to know what steps to take in disposing of expired medication.
Reasons to Dispose of Old or Expired Medication
Here are some reasons why seniors should dispose of old or expired medication:
- Safety concerns. Old or expired medicine may not be as effective as it once was. It may also have degraded to a point where it is no longer safe to take. Expired medication can also become toxic and harmful, leading to serious health consequences.
- Reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Keeping old or expired medication around can increase the risk of unintentional ingestion. This is a risk for seniors who may have difficulty reading labels or remembering which medications to take. This can be particularly dangerous for medicines that are harmful in small doses. It's also detrimental to individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain medications.
- Environmental concerns. Medications not correctly disposed of can end up in landfills or water systems. That can have adverse effects on the environment. Disposing of old or expired medication responsibly can help reduce this environmental impact.
Options for Disposing of Old or Expired Medication
There are numerous methods for disposing of expired medication. Here are some options to help you safely and quickly get rid of medicine with minimal hassle.
Disposal at Home
At-home disposal may be an option in some cases. The FDA recommends mixing the medication with an unappealing substance such as cat litter, dirt, or coffee grounds before throwing them away. Doing this means they won't be flagged by anyone looking through your trash. Then you can dispose of them in a sealed bag within your regular garbage can.
Disposal at a Local Pharmacy
Some local pharmacies will accept medications for disposal. Look for pharmacies hosting the FDA's "authenticated medication take-back" program. This program allows local residents to drop off their medications so they can be appropriately disposed of.
Disposal at a Community Collection Site
Some local law enforcement organizations sponsor local communities' "Drug Take Back" initiatives. Locals can bring their old and expired medications to a community collection site. These sites have professionals on staff who will help you properly pack up the medicine and talk through disposal methods. Bringing medication to these events will ensure that all the drugs are safely disposed of without any environmental harm.
Need Help Managing Medications at Home?
Good medication management is essential to keep seniors safe and healthy. If you live in Vineland, Atlantic City, Absecon, Egg Harbor Township, Bridgeton, Millville, or Mays Landing and need help managing or disposing of expired medication, contact Senior Helpers Jersey Shore. We can offer a personalized care plan tailored specifically to meet your needs and the needs of your senior loved one!