What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?

Many people save old prescriptions thinking, “I may need this again sometime.” This practice can be very dangerous. Medications have expiration dates and may not be as effective after they expire. You can help by correctly disposing of unused medication. The best way to dispose of unwanted medications is to take them to a Medication Take Back site.

The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. Most of the abused prescription drugs came from the home medicine cabinet of family and friends.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Bring your unused and expired medications to the CT Medication Disposal Sites. You can find a site near you on the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website by searching “Local Drug Collection Boxes.” These collection sites are available year round.

If there is not a site near you dispose of the medication by partially dissolving pills or capsules in a small amount of liquid. Pour liquid medication into unused kitty litter, salt or coffee grounds to make it unusable. Then tape the container closed and discard in your trash can.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Rx Take Back Day is Saturday April 28, 2018
Find a Medication Take Back site near you!

Medications accepted include:
• over the counter medications
• prescription medications
• medication samples
• household pet medications
• medicated lotions and ointments

For more information, call Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley at 860-767-0186