Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs
Federal Guidelines:
Take unused, unneeded, or expired drugs out of their original
containers and throw them in the trash.
Mixing prescriptions drugs with an undesirable substance, such as
used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting them in impermeable,
non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, will
further ensure the drugs are not diverted.
Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label or
accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so. (see
below)
The FDA advises that the following drugs be flushed down the toilet:
Actiq (fentanyl citrate)
Daytrana Transdermal Patch (methylphenidate)
Duragesic Transdermal System (fentanyl)
OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone)
Avinza Capsules (morphine sulfate)
Baraclude Tablets (entecavir)
Reyataz Capsules (atazanavir sulfate)
Tequin Tablets (gatifloxacin)
Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine)
Meperidine HCI Tablets
Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
Xyrem (sodium oxybate)
Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet)
Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs
that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for
proper disposal.
Some communities have pharmaceutical take-back programs or
community solid-waster programs that allow the public to bring
unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Where these
exist, they are a good way to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.
Additional information is available at:
www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
