How To Dispose Unused Medicines
We are indeed a fortunate generation to be living in
the era of medical advancement. There is a plethora of medicines available
today to cure various ailments and impart good health to one and all. However,
as valuable as they are for consumers, they can prove to be extremely harmful
for the rest. Given the side effects that these have, it is essential to keep
them away from the reach of children and pets, who tend to eat whatever they
get hold of.
Whether a medicine is replaced by a new prescription
or lasts past its expiration date, an unused dose needs to be disposed of. But
given that pharma manufacturing
makes use of strong chemicals, they can’t be disposed of carelessly. Instead,
here is what to do:
- Do not flush
Don’t flush unused medicines down the drain. The
chemicals can seep into ground water and impact the environment adversely.
Although certain medicines can be flushed, it’s better to avoid it altogether
rather than go looking for the list.
- Protect children and pets
Children and pets’ reach extend much beyond the
parents’ expectations. Whether unused medicines are tossed inside a dustbin or
stacked in a corner, toddlers and pets won’t hesitate to go get them. The
better alternatives, therefore, are:
- Dissolve unused medicines in water (including liquid medicines) and crush solid ones, mix them with sawdust or kitty litter (or any other unappealing material which absorbs the dissolved medication), and place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag. Toss this bag in the trash.
- Check for approved local and state collection programs or hazardous waste facilities within the area. Certain states house community pharmacies which accept unused medicines.
- Talk to your pharmacist
Pharmacists can turn out to be a big help in disposing
unused medicines. Having strong connections with both pharma manufacturing companies and doctors, they can guide you on
whether to flush your medicines, donate them or get rid of them some other way.
Never let any cabinet in your home become the dumping ground
for unused medications. And ensure they end up outside the home instead of
entering the ground water or mixing with the soil. Strong medicines contain
heavy chemicals which can make both the soil and water toxic and have adverse
effects on humans if consumed. So make sure your home stays disease-free while
you work your way towards complete health by disposing unused medicines
properly.
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