Additional Information Regarding Disposal of Medications

Notice to Readers: Additional Information Regarding Disposal of Medications
Weekly
March 19, 2010 / 59(10);302


In the report, Adult Use of Prescription Opioid Pain Medications Utah, 2008, in the last paragraph of the Editorial Note (page 156), a reference is made to Food and Drug Administration recommendations for the appropriate disposal of leftover medications from the household if the local community does not have a medication disposal or "take back" program. These guidelines include a list of medications with special labeling directions recommending they be disposed of by flushing down the sink or toilet. This method for disposal is recommended because a number of potent opioids are included on the list, and these medications can be harmful, even fatal, if taken accidentally. The guidelines and list are available at http://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

open here:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5910a8.htm?s_cid=mm5910a8_e