National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a great time for individuals to safely dispose of prescription medications and help reduce drug abuse.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced that the 10th annual program will take place on September 26, 2015, from 10 am to 2 pm local time at sites throughout the country. Pennsylvania and Delaware will have their drug take-back day on September 12, 2015.

Throughout National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, pharmacists can educate patients about appropriate drug disposal to prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion. Pharmacists can also assist patients in locating a collection site near them.

The DEA has a library of free educational resources that pharmacists can distribute to pateints, including posters and handouts.¹ Since the program’s inception in 2010, more than 4 million pounds of medications have been collected.

Pharmacists can play an active role in educating patients on the importance of appropriate drug disposal.

Reference:

• Drug Enforcement Administration. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Available at: http://www.dea.gov/take-back/takeback-day_2015_sep.html. Accessed September 1, 2015.