As a senior, you might need to take medication daily. Sometimes, your doctor changes your prescription, and you set aside the old one. It's easy to look in your medicine cabinet and find expired medications. Read on for some old medication disposal tips on how to safely get rid of it.
How to Dispose of Old or Expired Medication
Depending on the type of medication, there are different methods for disposing of old or expired medication. Generally, most medications should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. Here are a few tips for safely disposing of it.
Check with Your Local Pharmacy
Many pharmacies have drug take-back programs where you can drop off any old or expired medications. These programs are typically free of charge and provide the most secure way to dispose of unwanted medications.
Participate in a Drug Take-Back Program
If your pharmacy does not have an old medication disposal program, your area may have a drug take-back program that is held periodically. You can check with your local police department or health department for more information.
Follow the Instructions on the Label
Some medications provide information for safely disposing of them. If the label on the pill does not include directions for disposal, you can contact a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Types of Medication
When disposing of medication, it is important to understand the different types and the associated disposal rules for each type of drug.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs need to be disposed of safely. The best way to dispose of these medications is to take them to a pharmacy that has a drug take-back program. You don't want someone else to get these medications and use them irresponsibly.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs can often be safely disposed of in the garbage. However, certain drugs, such as those that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen, should not be disposed of in the garbage. Check the label on the medication for proper disposal instructions.
Supplements
When disposing of herbal supplements, vitamins, and other nutrition supplements, you should remove all identifying information from the label and properly dispose of the container in the garbage.
Reasons to Dispose of Old or Expired Medication
There are several important reasons why old or expired medication should be disposed of properly. These include:
Reduced Risk of Accidental Ingestion
When you properly dispose of old or expired drugs, it reduces the risk of accidental ingestion by yourself, a family member, or a pet.
Medication Can Become Less Effective
Once a drug has expired, its active ingredients may become less or completely ineffective.
Medication Can Become Dangerous
The inactive ingredients in expired medications can also become toxic over time, causing serious health risks if ingested.
Senior Helpers Vancouver Offers Transportation Services to Help You Dispose of Medication Properly
As a senior in Vancouver, Longview, Camas, Kelso, Battle Ground, and Chehalis areas, you might not drive anymore and need transportation to dispose of medication properly. At Senior Helpers Vancouver, we understand it can be difficult to ensure proper old medication disposal, especially for seniors. Our team can provide transportation services to your pharmacy along with medication reminders. To learn more about our services, please contact us today!