What To Do With The 'pharmacy'

[ravenwoodglass]

I was straightening today and came across the fishing tackle box that I used to use for all my families meds. I was astounded, I had really forgotten how bad it was pill wise. Just me alone had over 6 daily scripts. Anyway all of these are pre 2002, haven't need any since then , and I am not sure what to do with them. Some are controlled substances (so much for the drug seeker therory of some of my docs) and some are almost full. I don't want to flush them as that doesn't seem safe for the evironment and a landfill doesn't seem safe for wildlife. What should I do with these things?

[Lisa]

I guess I would flush them. The waste treatment process may "de-activate" the chemical componets.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to dispose of them after all your years of suffering.

[Jestgar]

take them back to a pharmacy and see if they'll do it for you.

[CarlaB]

The pharmacist told me to flush what we didn't use. I guess you could burn them! It's nice enough outside for a campfire.

[Michi8]

Around here, it is strongly suggested to return unused and expired drugs to the pharmacy for proper disposal. You certainly don't want it entering the water system if you can help it.

Michelle

[Guhlia]

Definitely don't flush them. I just read an article in last month's Parents magazine about how to dispose of old meds. It said to not flush them. Perhaps they have the article online???

[debmidge]

yes I've been reading stuff saying not to flush old meds anymore...garbage gail is better. but maybe pharmacy can give a beter solution.

[UR Groovy]

Hi,

When my grandmother passed away, my Mother called a service that came and confiscated all old meds and supplies (tons of vicodin, etc.). Unfortunately, I can't get hold of her for the next week, so I can't call her to find out more info. She was at an assisted living facility, though, and I think that maybe if you call one of them, they may be able to direct you to someone who can help you. Maybe you could drop them at a location like that. If she calls (my mom), I'll ask her. Hope that helps, however vague.

[jerseyangel]

Flushing or pouring down the drain are not the best because it puts the drugs into the water system.

I've heard that rendering the drugs useless--by adding a little water to pill bottles and putting something dry, like cat litter, in liquids--and then throwing in the trash is ok to do.

Calling your pharmacy is a good idea--if they won't dispose of the meds, they may know someone in the area who will.

[elye]

In Canada, all of the big pharmacies take back old/unused meds, and advertise this aplenty. I have often heard pharmacists say to NEVER let prescription meds enter the water system.

I wonder what they do with the stuff?

[kbtoyssni]

I wouldn't flush them. I'd take them to the local pharmacy. They'll be well-versed in how to dispose of them.

[ravenwoodglass]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Just for fun, a maybe bring a point home to newbies, I posted what I took daily at the time of diagnosis along with what I take now, a vitamin and baby asprin. I was going to photograph everything but thought just the then current dailys would be plenty.

I decided to to liquify them all together and then toss it into my next litter box change. That should keep the gulls and raccoons from getting into them. I thought about taking them to the pharmacy but don't want all those little bottles with our names on them in some trash bin and some are illegeal to carry without some identifing info. Knowing my luck I would get pulled over with my baggie.

I am still shaking my head over this. It is just amazing.

[Jestgar]

New from the government:

Open Original Shared Link

[ravenwoodglass]

New from the government:

Open Original Shared Link

Thanks for the link. I am glad to know I made the right choice.