Staying Smart About Prescription Medicines (NAPSA)—For almost half of the American population, prescrip- Tips for properly disposing ot prescription medicines: tion medicines are a part of daily life. When taken as prescribed, they can play an importantrole in the treatment and prevention of a Removefrom original container. e Mix with kitty litter or used coffee groundsin a sealable container and throw in the trash. Remove any identifiable information variety of health conditions. How- ever, prescription medicines can be harmful in the hands of those who do not have a valid prescription. “Many people don’t realize that the most common source of pre- from original containers before throwing away. Donotflush unless specifically scription medicine abuse is the medicine cabinet of a family mem- instructed fo by label or accompanying patient information. Contact your pharmacy to check for drug take-back programs. @ ber or friend, not ‘dealers’ or illicit drug sources,” says Jan Engle, a pharmacist and past president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and Executive Associate Dean and Headof the Depart- ment Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy. “That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to store and dispose of prescription medicines properly.” Dr. Engle and APhAare working with the American Chronic Pain Association and Cephalon, Inc., to offer advice about pre- scription medicine storage and disposal as part of the When Good and mixed with an undesirable substance such as kitty litter or coffee grounds in a disposable container with a lid or in a sealable bag. Or, check with your pharmacy for disposal days or other programs for unused medicines. Dr. Engle also says medications should be stored in an areathatis cool and dry, since heat and humidity can damage medicines. Locking medications in a cabinet Medicines Become Bad Drugs program. To keep your family or drawer can also keep prescriptions safe and prevent others from gaining access, either intention- recommends the following tips and information: “We all have responsibilities to ensure our prescription medicines medicine cabinet safe, Dr. Engle “Start with a biannual inven- tory of all over-the-counter and ally or accidentally. are used safely and appropri- ately,” says Dr. Engle. “By keeping prescription medicines,” says Dr. Engle. “Any medication past its these helpful tips in mind, we can decay, or left over from a previous illness should be set aside for medicines.” For more information and additional tips from other experts, visit www.GoodMedicinesBad expiration date, showing signs of disposal.” Prior to throwing away in the trash, medication should be removedfrom its original container all do our part to help prevent misuse or abuse of prescription Drugs.com, a Cephalon-sponsored website. _ Editor’s Note: When Good Medicines Become Bad Drugs is a service mark of Cephalon, Inc., or its affiliates.
