Community Pharmacists Launch Initiative to Help Dispose of Unused Meds

Nearly 800 community pharmacies in 40 states are making it easier than ever for consumers to safely dispose of unused patient medications at their local pharmacy through a new initiative spearheaded by the National Community Pharmacists Association and Sharps Compliance, Inc.

A new website, www.disposemymeds.org, allows consumers to search for a participating pharmacy disposal program by city, state, or zip code. NCPA is encouraging other community pharmacies to voluntarily sign up for the program in coming weeks and months as part of an ongoing effort.

The pharmacies are kicking off the campaign in conjunction with the 40th annual Earth Week through Saturday. At participating pharmacies, consumers may be able to dispose of unused medications with postage-paid envelopes or participate in onsite programs where pharmaceuticals are collected and disposed of properly.

The program and website have received statements of support from a number of safety and environmental groups including CADCA.

Mary Elizabeth Elliott, CADCA’s Vice President of Communications, Membership and Information Technology said: "Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in communities across the country, and the campaign and website is a great tool to help keep unused and expired medications out of the wrong hands."

It is estimated that more than four billion prescriptions are written annually in the U.S. and up to 40 percent of drugs dispensed outside of hospitals aren't taken, generating some 200 million pounds of unused pharmaceuticals each year. Unused patient medications are a contributor to accidental poisonings, which have involved an 80 percent increase in U.S. deaths from accidental overdose of narcotics in a recent six-year period. Studies have found waste pharmaceuticals in the drinking water of more than 50 million Americans, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now studying these and other contaminants to determine whether regulations are needed.

"Safe and practical disposal programs make a real difference in addressing this growing public health concern," said Joseph H. Harmison, PD, NCPA President and pharmacy owner in Arlington, Texas. "I commend these pharmacies for stepping up for the good of their communities and their patients. And, hopefully, consumers will gain a greater appreciation of their local community pharmacy. I also appreciate the support our allies and sponsors have shown for this effort."

The effort builds on the success of the work to enroll 300 plus pharmacies in the state in a drug disposal program launched last November. Many pharmacies are using the products of TakeAway Environmental Return System.