Getting rid of unused prescription drugs safely

[WCCO-TV, September 21, 2016] The safe disposal of drugs not only prevents others from swiping bottles from home medicine cabinets, but it also protects the environment.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends.

“Sixty percent of patients in a recent survey in ‘Annals Of Internal Medicine’ reported that they’ve got leftover controlled substances, opioids in their home,” said Lee Mork, the director of pharmacy for Allina Clinics. “It’s important to find a safe and effective way to dispose of those medications.”

Many are leaving leftover medication in their medicine cabinets, risking abuse and theft. With the prevalence of opioid overdoses, a Twin Cities company has come up with a safe way to dispose of pills, called Deterra, and Allina Health Pharmacies are giving these pouches away for free this month.

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