Medication Disposal is Important

Watch this short video to learn more why it is important to dispose of unwanted medicine.

Older adults are commonly prescribed multiple drugs – 42 percent of adults ages 65 and older take five or more drugs monthly – and are likely to accumulate unused or unwanted drugs. Too many Americans often improperly dispose of unused drugs or hold on to them indefinitely, both of which can have serious consequences.

This report examines proper drug disposal— the safe and timely removal of unused or unwanted drugs from an individual’s possession according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards—and what can make it difficult. Specifically, it considers the importance of proper disposal of prescription drugs for older adults, examines barriers that may limit older adults’ access to drug disposal options, and identifies solutions to help older adults properly dispose of their unused or unwanted drugs.

For more important information about disposing of unwanted medications, please click here.