What to do with unused medications?
Did you know that throwing your old prescription bottles with unused medications in the trash puts you and others at risk? Your prescription bottle contains “protected health information” which your doctor and pharmacy work hard to keep confidential and protected.
Someone could find your health information including your full name, prescribed medication, and pharmacy you use just by finding that prescription bottle. When you throw unused prescription medications in the trash you run the risk that another person finds them, takes them, and is harmed.
When you throw unused prescription medications in the trash you run the risk that another person finds them, takes them, and is harmed.
Can you place empty prescription bottles in the recycling? Maybe. Some recycling programs may not accept prescription bottles due to the tinted color. Moose Pharmacy always promotes recycling efforts. In order to recycle these you would need to contact your local recycling program to ensure they accept prescription vials. If you are planning to recycle an empty prescription bottle it is very important that you remove the prescription label or cross out all information with a black sharpie to protect yourself.
Can you flush unused medications down the toilet? In general, do not flush unused medications as they might end up in our waterways. There are a few medications that are recommended to be flushed and your local Moose pharmacist could discuss these limited medications with you. But there is a better option.
So, what should you do with my old prescription bottles and unused medications? Take them to Moose Pharmacy! All Moose Pharmacy locations participate in medication take back programs in which you drop off your old prescription bottles and unused medications and they will make sure to safety discard of them. Moose Pharmacy will make sure your health information remains protected and that all unused medications are safely disposed.
Moose Pharmacy is here to help you safely dispose of prescription bottles, unused medications, and navigate any changes in your medication regimens. Give us a call today and we can help answer your questions!
Moose Pharmacy’s take back program also includes controlled medications like oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax. By using Moose Pharmacy’s take back program, it is the safest way to protect your health information, dispose of unused medications, and ensure loved ones don’t accidently take them. Remember to keep all medications you are taking in a safe place.
When you have old or unused medications it’s also important to recognize why you have left over medication because sometimes that is okay, and other times it is not. Your Moose Pharmacist can help you with this! For example, if your doctor prescribes you a new medication to replace your previous one it is expected you may have left over medicine that should be safely disposed of at Moose Pharmacy.
Or if you injured yourself and your doctor prescribed a pain medication it’s very possible you have left over pain medications that should be disposed safely to protect those around you. But if your unused medication is an antibiotic, you most likely shouldn’t have any left over. It’s important to complete a full course of antibiotics even if you start to feel better.
Moose Pharmacy is here to help you safely dispose of prescription bottles, unused medications, and navigate any changes in your medication regimens.