Pharmaceutical products have been used in increasing quantities of medicines globally. However, studies have shown that a large number of these products eventually went unused or expired. Inappropriate storage and disposal of unused pharmaceutical products cause adverse consequences. Impoperly stored medicines may provide an opportunity for misuse and accidental poisonings, which can result in serious health threats1.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020313955#bib7
Beirens, T.M, Desai, J.D. Sonowal, S., “Improper Disposal Practice of unused and expired pharmaceutical products”, Science Direct, 9th June 2021
Accidentally consumed expired medication
The FDA warns expired medicine should not be taken as they can be “less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition.” Additionally, some medications “are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.”
Link: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines
Even medications that are yet to expire can be dangerous, especially if these are deemed regulated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), antibacterial or considered as prescription drugs. There’s a high risk of these medicines of being misused either by purpose or accident.
Environmental risks
The most common way to dispose medications is by flushing it down the toilet. Although this is acceptable (provided that the medication is on the US-FDA’s Flush List), not all drug substances can be 100% filtered by water treatment plants. This may lead to potential effects on plants, fish and even drinking water. This could also end up contaminating streams, rivers and waterways.
Link: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
Personal safety
Medications that contain personal information (name, address, medication) may be discovered and used in other cases.
How to properly dispose medications at home?
Flushing Method
Some medications have specific directions either on the label or information leaflet to be flushed down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Otherwise, check the U.S. FDA’s list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing when a take-back option is not available in the area.
MPTS Method
When it comes to disposing of unwanted medication at home, the recommended course of action by the FDA is the MPTS method: Mix, Place, Throw, Scratch out. Using the MPTS method will reduce the likelihood that unwanted medication will be misused.
*By disposing off medications safely, children and/or animals will be free from accidentally ingesting them and your medical information are protected.
How to dispose prescription pill bottles?
Whether you dispose of your medication in the garbage or flush it down the toilet, you should properly dispose of your prescription containers as well. Those who misuse drugs might find the bottles in your trash, and (if they think you have more of the medication they seek), target your home.
As mentioned above, before discarding your prescription bottles, you should scratch out any personal information, including the medication, your name, the pharmacy (including its number), and the prescription number.
Link: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/ensuring-safe-use-medicine/safe-disposal-medicines
