Welcome to DisposeMyMeds.org, an online resource to help you to find medication disposal programs at the local independent community pharmacy near you.
Your local community pharmacist has knowledge to ensure the safe and proper handling of your medications, from dispensing to disposal.
In addition to proper disposal, you can help prevent drug misuse and abuse each time you request and take your prescriptions. Once you have taken your prescriptions home, remember to keep them out of the sight and reach of children, and avoid taking them in front of children, since they tend to mimic adults. Never give your medications to anyone else or take someone else’s medications.
And remember to take your medicine as directed. A survey released by the National Community Pharmacists Association found that an astounding three-quarter of adults do not always take their prescription medicine as directed. Many forget to take a medication, take less than the prescribed dosage, or stop taking it before the supply runs out. In more than half the cases, the patients made these decisions without talking to a health care professional. Experts estimate that this patient non-adherence costs the United States nearly $100 billion per year in extra medical costs, including hospital visits, doctor visits, lab tests, and nursing home admissions.
We would encourage you to talk to your pharmacist and ensure you are taking your medications correctly. Do not leave the pharmacy without understanding everything you need to know about your medications, including how to store, use and dispose of them properly.
If a drug take-back or collection program is not available in your area, please refer to Federal Guidelines from the Office of National Drug Control Policy on the proper disposal of medications.
