Increasing trends in medication use, prescribing, and prescription drug abuse are issues we want to consider together as a community. In 2010, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reported 48% of Americans took at least one prescription drug in the month the study was done. From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of Americans using two or more drugs increased from 25% to 31%, and the use of five or more drugs increased from 6% to 11%.
Patients discontinue medications as often as doctors prescribe them. Many times, patients never tell their doctor they’ve discontinued a medication and they rarely throw away the unused portion. Some patients bring medication samples and half-empty pill bottles to their physician’s office for disposal. However, this may not the safest mode of disposal. These half-taken packs of birth control, half bottles of antibiotics, and the occasional bottle of narcotic go into the office trash. Then, these unwanted medications make their way to dumpsters and landfills.
Disposing of unused medications safely keeps these medications out of our water supply and environment. Safe disposal also prevents accidental ingestion by children and pets, and keeps drugs of abuse from getting into the wrong hands.
The best venue for safe disposal is your local Police Station. “Operation Medicine Cabinet” is a free disposal service for residents of San Luis Obispo County, for unwanted over-the-counter pills, supplements, medication samples, ointments, eye drops, creams, gels, and veterinary medications. Drop-boxes are installed at all local police stations and three Sheriff patrol stations.
Safely dispose of your unwanted medications today!
Please note: All “sharps,” needles, syringes, and thermometers can be safely disposed of at any local pharmacy. For information on disposal of “Hazardous waste”, like batteries and antifreeze, see www.iwma.com.
Send your Health Questions addressed to Dr. Prewitt at Tolosa Press.
No question is too big or too small.
Lauren Prewitt, D.O., F.A.C.O.O.G. is a traditional Osteopath and Board Certified Ob/Gyn. She is an active medical staff member at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and Marian Regional Medical Center, holds adjunct faculty status at Western University and Touro University, and participates in the Central Coast Osteopathic Regional Society. She resides in Morro Bay.
