Medication Safety Made Simple

Get Involved

Guidelines for safe disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals in and after emergencies

Safe disposal guidelines for unwanted pharmaceuticals during and after emergencies are detailed in this document. Various disposal methods are cited, such as high-temperature incineration, encapsulation, and burial in lined landfills, emphasizing safety and minimizing environmental harm. Also discussed are methods for pharmaceutical waste categorization, proper transportation and handling procedures, along with recommendations for stakeholder involvement in managing the process and assisting with decision making. Practical advice on organizing work teams, ensuring their safety, and raising public awareness about the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals is also discussed. This guidebook provides a comprehensive framework for healthcare facilities, NGOs, and governmental organizations to help prevent pharmaceutical misuse and environmental contamination during crisis situations. 

U.S. National Pharmacy Market Summary 2021

With pharmacies serving as an integral part of the healthcare landscape, it is critical to understand changes and trends and their impact on the business environment. This summary, taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, shares pertinent information about pharmacies, including number of store locations, pharmacists employed, ownership information, facility type, and the number of pharmacies per state.

Medication Sharing, Storage, and Disposal Practices for Opioid Medications Among US Adults

This study focusing on opioid medication practices revealed that many adults share their prescriptions, and a significant portion keeps leftover medications for future use. Safe storage, like locking medications away, is uncommon, and nearly half of the participants reported not receiving clear instructions on how to store or dispose of them properly. The findings highlight the need for better education and practices to reduce risks associated with sharing, improper storage, and disposal of opioid medications.

Pilot of a Brief, Web-Based Educational Intervention Targeting Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Opioids

At the time of this study, conducted in the early years of the opioid epidemic, a significant portion of misused opioids originated from authorized prescriptions. To help curb the epidemic, a brief, web-based educational tool was developed to address safe opioid use, storage, and disposal. Due to healthcare providers’ time constraints and other demands, this tool offers an efficient intervention option. The study demonstrated that such a web-based intervention could effectively improve patients’ knowledge and reduce misuse behaviors in healthcare settings.

Narcotics in the medicine cabinet: Provider talk is key to lower risk

There is a growing need and opportunity for providers to discuss appropriate disposal methods for leftover pain medications, as highlighted in this national study of parents with children receiving such prescriptions. Guidance on safe disposal could reduce the chances of parents keeping leftover prescriptions at home or using improper disposal methods. With half of caregivers reporting leftover medications and only one-third having received instructions on what to do with them, these findings also raise important questions about appropriate prescribing practices.