Rx for Rx: Druggists urge caution in disposing old meds

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Local pharmacists are passing the word on to customers that proper disposal of unused and unneeded prescription drugs is important to public health and safety.


“When medications are no longer needed it is important to dispose of them properly,” said Robert P. Rock, a pharmacist at Haydel’s drug store on La. Highway 311

He and other pharmacists say, “This simple task is crucial to avoid harming others and to keep the environment safe.”

According to the Louisiana Pharmacists Association, more than 100 different pharmaceuticals have been routinely detected in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and streams worldwide.


“Traces of drugs have even been discovered in at least 41 million Americans’ drinking water,” the organization’s statement reads. “This may eventually cause major problems if medications are not disposed of properly.”

The association and local pharmacists are advising patient to never flush unused drugs down the toilet.

Drugs that are unused or expired can, the association says, can be removed from their containers and mixed “with an undesirable substance such as cat litter or coffee grounds.”


The mixture should be then placed in a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty butter or margarine tub, or a sealable bag. It can then be discarded in household trash.

In addition to environmental protection, proper disposal thwarts inappropriate use of cast-off drugs by people who abuse them, or danger to children.

More than 71,000 people under 18 are seen in emergency rooms nationwide for unintentional overdoses of prescription and non-prescription drugs.


Local pharmacists say they are happy to discuss disposal methods with patients who might need additional ideas.

Rock said he and other pharmacists enjoy helping solve problems like disposal for patients, as part of the personal services they pride themselves on.

“We can give them resources in how to dispose of them properly,” Rock said. “There are national organizations that give us the resources that we can pass on. It’s important for people’s health. We will give the time when we have it. We don’t have a Burger King mentality.”


Pharmacy Robert P. Rock and pharmacy technician Anne Robichaux at Haydel’s Pharmacy in Houma.

 

JOHN DeSANTIS | THE TIMES