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