By Jacqueline Wilson
A permanent drug collection and disposal receptacle has been placed inside a local compounding pharmacy, Apothicare 360, to encourage members of the community to remove expired or unwanted medication from their homes. Proper disposal of medication reduces access to addictive drugs for accidental or intentional misuse by individuals, particularly children.
The national opioid epidemic is on the rise and the abuse of prescription medication is impacting teens and young adults at an alarming rate. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans abuse controlled prescription drugs in 2016, and pain relievers are some of the most abused drugs among young people, of which 70% are obtained through friends and family.
Access to a safe and secure disposal receptacle is the preferred method of the collection of unused medicine. Placing drugs in the garbage may put children or animals in your home at risk for consumption and inadvertent poisoning. Equally as dangerous, flushing medications down the toilet pose a health hazard as they seep into groundwater, negatively impacting the environment and your drinking water.
Apothicare 360 Pharmacy is a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registered facility that offers MedSafe disposal. This easy-to-operate system accepts controlled (Schedules II-V), non-controlled, and over-the-counter medicines. It is a one-way drop, double-locked steel cabinet designed for the collection of expired and unused medications.
Free to the public, individuals are invited to dispose of unused prescription drugs safely during business hours. Before dropping medication into the unit, be sure to remove any personally identifiable information from the container. You can do this by tearing off the label or blacking it out with a permanent marker. This protects your personal information. Liquids must be in their original containers, wrapped in a paper towel, and sealed in a zip-lock bag before being placed in the MedSafe.
Products should be left in the packaging the medication was dispensed in, or loose pills can be placed in a zip-lock bag prior to disposal. Liquids must be in their original containers, wrapped in a paper towel, and sealed in a zip-lock bag before being placed in the MedSafe.
Acceptable for Disposal: Pills, Tablets, Capsules, Ointments, Creams, Lotions, Powders, Inhalers, Nebulizer Solutions, Liquid Medicines, Solutions, Suspensions (No More Than 4 oz)
Only unused or expired prescribed (Rx) or over-the-counter (OTC) dispensed medicines, including controlled substances Schedules 2-5 are appropriate for disposal. Schedule 1-Illegal drugs such as marihuana, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine are not permitted.
Your efforts to dispose of medication properly benefits everyone, from the environment to the community around us.
For the month of October, Apothicare 360 Pharmacy would like to show appreciation to those who choose to use this resource. Bring in and dispose of your expired and unwanted medications and receive a free travel bag. (While supplies last.)
Apothicare 360 is located in the Orion Plaza on the Southwest corner of Daniels Pkwy and Plantation Rd. and is open Monday- Friday, 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM; Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more and contact the facility by phone at (239) 690-7700 or online at www.apothicare360.com.
