The Washington Poison Center urges Washington residents to take advantage of the National Take-Back Day on Sept. 25, and clean out all expired, unwanted or unused medicines.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its first ever nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative and is seeking to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. The DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide on Sept. 25, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Find the DEA link for exact drop off locations at www.wapc.org.
The WAPC assists callers every day regarding drug and medication abuse. Last year, more than 400 calls were placed to the Poison Center about teenagers that had abused controlled substances and other medications or illicit drugs. Many of those teens obtained the medicine from cabinets in their home, or that of a friend, or family member. Recently, a Washington teenager died from ingesting a medication he took from a family member’s medicine cabinet.
“We are pleased to see the DEA take such a proactive approach to prescription drug abuse,” said Jim Williams, executive director of the WAPC. “Removing unnecessary or unused medications from homes across Washington State, and nationwide, is a huge step in keeping our communities safe and helping people recognize that prescription drugs can be dangerous when taken by the wrong person.”
The “Take-Back” initiative has restrictions. Only prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules, will be accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted; nor will illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines. Those in the Puget Sound area can return medications on any day at most Bartell Drugs, including liquid medicines.
Call the WAPC at 1-800-222-1222 for all medication questions, misuse or abuse. Calls about humans are still free and confidential but calls concerning animals cost $30. Services are available for non-English speakers and for the deaf and hearing impaired. For more information, visit www.wapc.org.
