Posts
Many expired or unused prescription medications lie idly in cabinets in most homes today. Every day that they stay there is the day that they are at risk of abuse or misuse. Many disposal methods are available for one to choose from. However, one should know that not all medications can be disposed through any method. Here are some useful tips on pharmaceutical disposal that one can follow.
The bad thing with leaving expired medication or ones that are no longer being used in the home is that they may be taken by mistake. Whereas most prescription medications have no effect if they are taken by someone they are intended for, a small group of drugs can have some serious effects. Additionally, children and the elderly are also more likely to use the medications in the wrong way, which can cause bad effects or even death.
Like stated above, not all methods are suitable for all kinds of medication. Instructions on how to get rid of medication that one does not need anymore can be found on the labels. The instructions must be followed carefully if mistakes are to be avoided. Most medications also come with patient information leaflets, which may contain disposal instructions.
The trash is one of the most commonly used methods for disposing pharmaceuticals. Drugs disposed in household trash most likely ends up in local landfills. This option is not safe for everybody. Those who live with small children or adults with mental problems should avoid using it. Children and the mentally unstable individuals may go digging around the trash and find the medications and abuse them without the knowledge of someone of sound mind.
Some less harmful medications are also safe to be disposed by flashing down the sink. This could be any sink in the house, but the bathroom sink is more preferable. When flashing, one must ensure that the tablets, powder, capsules, or other forms in which the medication is in completely goes down the sink. There are instructions as to whether one can break large tablets or not. The instructions must be adhered to strictly.
Another useful disposal option is take back programs. These programs allow people to take expired and unused drugs to some central location. The location may be a department in a hospital or a law enforcement agency among others. One should confirm from relevant authorities if their area has such programs.
Many cities also have many registered medicine collectors. The collectors collect expired and unused medications from people. The collectors one takes the medications to should be registered with the relevant government authorities. Clinic pharmacies, retail centers, hospitals, and law enforcement locations are examples of collectors. These collectors may also offer mail-back programs or collection receptacles.
Prescription medicines should not be given to friends or other people who may want them. When disposing in the trash, the label should be removed or made unreadable. This makes the drugs undesirable and promotes medical privacy.
The bad thing with leaving expired medication or ones that are no longer being used in the home is that they may be taken by mistake. Whereas most prescription medications have no effect if they are taken by someone they are intended for, a small group of drugs can have some serious effects. Additionally, children and the elderly are also more likely to use the medications in the wrong way, which can cause bad effects or even death.
Like stated above, not all methods are suitable for all kinds of medication. Instructions on how to get rid of medication that one does not need anymore can be found on the labels. The instructions must be followed carefully if mistakes are to be avoided. Most medications also come with patient information leaflets, which may contain disposal instructions.
The trash is one of the most commonly used methods for disposing pharmaceuticals. Drugs disposed in household trash most likely ends up in local landfills. This option is not safe for everybody. Those who live with small children or adults with mental problems should avoid using it. Children and the mentally unstable individuals may go digging around the trash and find the medications and abuse them without the knowledge of someone of sound mind.
Some less harmful medications are also safe to be disposed by flashing down the sink. This could be any sink in the house, but the bathroom sink is more preferable. When flashing, one must ensure that the tablets, powder, capsules, or other forms in which the medication is in completely goes down the sink. There are instructions as to whether one can break large tablets or not. The instructions must be adhered to strictly.
Another useful disposal option is take back programs. These programs allow people to take expired and unused drugs to some central location. The location may be a department in a hospital or a law enforcement agency among others. One should confirm from relevant authorities if their area has such programs.
Many cities also have many registered medicine collectors. The collectors collect expired and unused medications from people. The collectors one takes the medications to should be registered with the relevant government authorities. Clinic pharmacies, retail centers, hospitals, and law enforcement locations are examples of collectors. These collectors may also offer mail-back programs or collection receptacles.
Prescription medicines should not be given to friends or other people who may want them. When disposing in the trash, the label should be removed or made unreadable. This makes the drugs undesirable and promotes medical privacy.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts about pharmaceutical disposal, go to our web pages here today. More details can be seen at http://biologic-ESWS.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment