Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs

Federal Guidelines

• Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers (be sure to remove labels) and throw them in the trash.


• Mixing prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting thim in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cams or sealable bags, will further ensure the drugs are not diverted.


• Flush prescription durgs down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so.


• Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.

FDA advises flushing these, not trashing them

• Actiq (fentanyl citrate)
• Daytrana Transdermal Patch (methylphenidate)
• Duragesic Transdermal System (fentanyl)
• OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone)
• Avinza Capsules (morphine sulphate)
• Baraclude Tablets (entecavir)
• Reyataz Capsules (atazanavir sulfate)
• Tequin Tablets (gatifloxicin)
• Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine)
• Meperidine HCl Tablets
• Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
• Xyrem (sodium oxybate)
• Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet)