Recently, the FDA published guidelines that outline the most appropriate way to dispose of medications. These medications may be out of date or be medications that may not be prescribed anymore, but may be left over supply stored in medicine cabinets or closets in homes.
In asking the general public about drug disposal, most respond that the most appropriate way to dispose of medications is by flushing them down the toliet; however, it is important to note that disposal by flushing is not recommended for the vast majority of medicines.
Unused or expired medicines that do not have flushing directions in the label can be disposed of safely in the household trash by:
1. Mixing them with something that will hide the medicine or make it unappealing, such as
kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
2. Placing the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
3. Throwing the container in your household trash.
The medicines on the list below that are recommended for disposal by flushing are safe and effective when used as prescribed, but they could be especially harmful to a child, pet, or anyone else if taken accidentally. Some of the possible harmful effects include breathing difficulties or heart problems, possibly leading to death. For these reasons, FDA advises that flushing these medicines down the sink or toilet is currently the best way to immediately and permanently remove the risk of harm from the home.
Medications Recommended for Disposal by FLUSHING:
Medicine, Active Ingredient
Actiq, oral transmucosal lozenge, Fentanyl Citrate
Avinza, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Daytrana, transdermal patch system, Methylphenidate
Demerol, tablets, Meperidine Hydrochloride
Demerol, oral solution, Meperidine Hydrochloride
Diastat/Diastat AcuDial, rectal gel, Diazepam
Dilaudid, tablets, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Dilaudid, oral liquid, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Dolophine Hydrochloride, tablets, Methadone Hydrochloride
Duragesic, patch (extended release), Fentanyl
Embeda, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate; Naltrexone Hydrochloride
Fentora, tablets (buccal), Fentanyl Citrate
Kadian, capsules (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Methadone Hydrochloride, oral solution *, Methadone Hydrochloride
Methadose, tablets, Methadone Hydrochloride
Morphine Sulfate, tablets (immediate release), Morphine Sulfate
Morphine Sulfate, oral solution, Morphine Sulfate
MS Contin, tablets (extended release), Morphine Sulfate
Onsolis, soluble film (buccal), Fentanyl Citrate
Opana, tablets (immediate release), Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
Opana ER, tablets (extended release), Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
Oramorph SR, tablets (sustained release), Morphine Sulfate
Oxycontin, tablets (extended release), Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Percocet, tablets, Acetaminophen; Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Percodan, tablets, Aspirin; Oxycodone Hydrochloride
Xyrem, oral solution, Sodium Oxybate
As you can see, the majority of the medications listed above are narcotic pain medications used to treat patients with chronic pain conditions. Many times those who suffer with chronic pain must try a number of different medications before finding the one that is effective for them. This can result in a supply of unused medications stored in the home that pose a danger to children and pets.
With Daylight Savings time ending, it is a good time to check your medicine cabinet, or wherever you store your medications, and dispose of ones that are out of date or any unused medications that you are no longer prescribed. Be sure to follow the disposal guidelines above- if you have any questions, visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov or ask your pharmacist.
John M. Williamson, PharmD