Before getting into how to dispose of medicines, Ladies should first look at the packaging. Read the label because sometimes there are special disposal instructions. If there are, follow the instructions. But if there are none, the next option is to take it to the pharmacy, clinic, or health center.

The return of unused medicines is called the Take-Back-Program. If you find that there is no take-back program in your area or no specific disposal instructions on the packaging, then follow the steps below to dispose of most of the medicines at home:

• Remove the medicine from the original packaging and crush it.

• Mix the medicine with something unwanted, such as used coffee grounds, soil, or sand. The purpose of this second step is to make a person or pet uninterested in taking or even consuming it. It also makes the antidote unrecognizable, minimizing the risk of it being recycled or reused.

• Put it in a sealable container, such as an empty can, zipper bag, or zipper bag to prevent the contents from spilling out.

• Dispose of the container with the medication mixture in the trash.

• Remove or cross out any personal information on the package, container, or bottle (if applicable) to protect identity and privacy.

• Discard the packaging after cutting or tearing it.

What about syrup? The trick is to throw the liquid down the drain (latrine or toilet) after diluting it. Then crush the bottle and throw it in the trash. Meanwhile, if the type is ointment or cream, then cut the packaging first. Then, throw it in the trash separately from the lid.

Take it out of the package, mix it with sand, put it in a sealed container, and throw it in the trash. Don't forget to remove any personal information on the packaging

Medications that Need to Be Disposed of in the Drain

On the other hand, not all medicines can be disposed of by following the above procedure. This is because there are medicines that could potentially harm someone if swallowed accidentally. If there is no place to return leftover medicine and the medicine that Ladies have belongs to the list below, then destroy it by flushing it down the toilet.

• Buprenorphine

• Fentanyl

• Hydrocodone or benzhydrocodone

• Hydromorphone

• Meperidine

• Methadone

• Morphine

• Oxycodone

• Oxymorphone

• Tapentadol

• Sodium oxybate or sodium oxybate

• Diazepam rectal gel

• Methylphenidate transdermal system

The reason why the above types of drugs need to be disposed of down the drain is because they have the potential to be abused, which can result in serious problems even when only one dose is taken. If children, adults, or pets accidentally ingest, touch, or misuse them, one of the serious consequences that can occur is death.

There are certain medications that should be disposed of down the drain, not in the trash.

So, we should know that medicines should not be disposed of carelessly. This is because they have the potential to be misused, perhaps even accidentally consumed and cause serious problems. Some can be thrown in the trash, but others need to be disposed of down the drain. Therefore, follow the procedures for disposing of the above medicines correctly, Ladies!

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