Prescription drugs collected at a 2012 drug take back event. File photoJesse Bair/Today's Sunbeam
If you have unused or expired medications sitting around, the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 30.
The bi-annual event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing expired and unused drugs, and also educates the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused,” said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Anne Milgram. “Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs. I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded prescription medications now.”
The DEA operates a database listing police departments, grocery stores, medical centers and pharmacies collecting unused medications. More than 4,000 drop-off locations will operate nationwide.
Locally, Penn State Health is hosting four drive-thru drop-offs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30 at the following locations:
Most drop-off locations accept over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, patches, and ointments, and vitamins and pet medicines. (Penn State is also accepting needles and syringes for disposal.)
All prescribed medications to be disposed of should be contained inside their original bottle or placed inside a small sealed container (i.e. plastic bottle) or zip-lock bag. Personal information should be removed or marked out with a permanent marker.
More information and locations where medications can be dropped off can be found on the DEA’s website.
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