FDA suggests ways to dispose of drugs

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has created a Web page that recommends methods to dispose of certain drugs, including controlled substances.

The online advice, designed for consumers, includes recommendations for disposal of specific drugs, including several high-potency opioids that might be harmful or even deadly, if taken by someone other than the intended person.

The FDA recommends such medicines be flushed down a sink or toilet to keep them away from children and others who might be harmed by even taking a single dose.

FDA officials said medicines not listed online should be thrown away in the household trash after being mixed with some unpalatable substance, such as coffee grounds, and sealed in a bag or other container.

"The safe disposal of medicines from the home after they are no longer needed is an important concern for the FDA," said Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The FDA is working with other groups to improve the use of several drug disposal methods, including drug take back programs. However, for some potent medicines … the FDA currently recommends flushing them down the sink or toilet to immediately and permanently remove them from the home."

The FDA drug disposal recommendations are available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186187