Keeping Unused Medicines Out of the Wrong Hands
Properly disposing of unused medications by NOT flushing them or NOT pouring them down the drain is one small step we can take to ensure that people do not obtain unused medications or personal information found on discarded prescription bottles.
One simple way we can combat this threat is to make sure medicines are disposed of safely.
Safe Drug Disposal NW is a campaign to educate patients how to dispose of left-over or expired medicines safely. With a cooperative effort among pharmaceutical researchers, public health and safety organizations, non-profit organizations, health care providers and patients, we can reduce the risks from this easily preventable threat to personal health.
Here are some helpful links for Preventing Accidental Poisoning and for Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse.
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
- Washington Health Foundation
- Safeway
- Washington State Medical Association
- National Association of Chain Drug Stores
- Oregon State Pharmacy Association
- Washington State Pharmacy Association
- Drug Abuse Resistance Education
- Wellpartner
- National Alliance of Mentally Ill
- Associated Oregon Industries
- Washington Counsel of Police & Sheriffs
“These quick and easy steps are must reading for everyone who has drugs on their medicine cabinets they know they will never take. It’s good prevention all of us can do now to stop old prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands.”
Greg Vigdor, President and CEO
Washington Health Foundation
“There is no easier and preventable way we can take drugs out of the hands of our kids than disposing of prescription drugs we aren’t going to use.”
Sheriff Sue Rahr, Sheriff of King County, Washington