With so many older adults taking several prescriptions and with physicians adding and changing medications and dosages to determine the ideal solutions, it’s essential to understand what to do with meds that are no longer needed or expired. There are several options:
Check labels. The prescription label or informational literature might guide safely getting rid of the drug. You could also consult with the pharmacist for guidelines.
Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This is the preferred way to dispose of unwanted medications responsibly. It is held annually in locations throughout the country by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Discover the venue nearest to you and the next date for the event.
Use caution before flushing medication down the toilet. Flushing prescription medications down the toilet is usually not recommended, but specific exceptions are listed in the FDA’s Flush List. Drugs currently deemed acceptable to flush include:
Acetaminophen
Benzhydrocodone
Buprenorphine
Diazepam
Fentanyl
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Meperidine
Methadone
Methylphenidate
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Sodium Oxybate
Tapentadol
Conceal when disposing of. Many medications can be discarded with regular trash if safeguards are taken to prevent animals from mistakenly ingesting them or anyone looking for drugs to uncover and accept them. The FDA recommends mixing the meds with an undesirable substance – such as coffee grounds or kitty litter – and then placing them in a secured plastic bag before adding them to your household garbage bag.
Take off identifying information. Ensure to scratch out and shred any private information to safeguard the older adult’s identity to prevent anyone unauthorized from discovering the prescription container and obtaining a prescription medication refill.
To get more elderly care tips and help for senior medications, including medication reminders to make sure senior loved ones take prescriptions just as directed by the health care provider, reach out to the aging care experts at Atlanta Home Care Partners. We’re also here to help with an array of aging care needs in the home that improve total wellbeing for seniors, such as:
Help with personal care and hygiene needs
Meal planning and preparation
Light household chores
Companionship to engage in conversations and enjoyable activities
Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and outings
Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
And a lot more.
Give us a call at 215.995.2012 to let us know more about the challenges a senior loved one faces and request a free of charge in-home consultation to learn more about our caregivers in Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
Comments