Next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Coming Soon

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides the public with a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications.

The 11th national event will take place on April 30, 2016, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide a list of local collection sites on April 1, 2016.¹

At the last event, more than 350 tons of medications were collected at more than 5000 sites.² Since the start of the DEA’s national program, nearly 6 million pounds of medications have been appropriately disposed.²

Prescription drug abuse is a national epidemic. Even President Barack Obama has recognized the importance of drug take-back events and asked Congress for $1.1 billion to fund related efforts that include prevention strategies.

Pharmacists can take this opportunity to educate patients on the importance of appropriate drug disposal to prevent accidental ingestion and prescription drug abuse and diversion.

References

• Drug Enforcement Administration. National take-back initiative. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. Accessed March 14, 2016.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA’s prescription drug take-back effort a big success. http://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2015/hq100115.shtml. Accessed March 14, 2016.