Out With the Old: Safely Dispose of Expired Medications

Take a look in your bathroom cabinet or kitchen drawer. Many homes have old prescriptions, half used cough syrup and vitamins that expired years ago. It is easy to forget about them. But expired and unused medicines can be a real risk at home, and getting rid of them the right way protects your family and our community.

Why it matters

Old medicines can lose strength over time, so they may not work when you need them. Some can change in ways that are not safe. Unused medicines can also be taken by mistake by children, older family members or pets. Prescription pain medicines left in the home can be misused by someone who visits.

Getting rid of them safely also protects the environment. Medicines that end up in water and soil can harm wildlife.

How to check your cabinet

Set aside a few minutes once or twice a year. Spring is a great time. Go through every medicine and supplement in your home and look for:

• Anything past its expiration date
• Prescriptions you no longer take
• Medicines that changed color, smell or texture
• Pills without a label, or mixed together in one container
• Liquids that look cloudy or separated
• Creams or ointments that have dried out

If you are not sure whether to keep something, bring it in or call us. We are happy to take a look.

Safe ways to dispose

The best option is a drug take back program. Many pharmacies, police stations and community events collect unused medicines safely. National Prescription Drug Take Back Days happen in the spring and fall. Call us and we can tell you about drop off options near you in the Antelope Valley.

If a take back option is not available, many medicines can be thrown in the household trash with a few steps. Mix the medicine with something unappealing, like used coffee grounds or cat litter. Put the mixture in a sealed bag or container. Throw it in the trash. Do not crush tablets or capsules.

A small number of medicines are on a special list that the FDA says can be flushed when a take back option is not available, because they are especially dangerous if found by the wrong person. Do not flush any medicine unless the label or your pharmacist says it is okay.

Before you throw away the empty bottle, scratch out or remove your name and prescription details from the label to protect your privacy.

Needles and other sharps need special handling. Never put loose needles in the trash. Ask us about safe sharps containers and disposal.

Keep a clean, current list

After you clear out old medicines, take a moment to write down what you do take. Keep the list in your wallet or phone and bring it to every doctor visit. It helps prevent mistakes and makes care easier in an emergency.

A free medication review is also a great time to make sure everything in your cabinet still belongs there.

Call us at 661.941.4402 to ask about safe disposal or to schedule a free medication review.

This article is general education, not medical advice.