[Pharmwaste] Federal Government issues drug disposal guidance
Thompson.Virginia at epamail.epa.gov
Thompson.Virginia at epamail.epa.gov
Wed Feb 21 09:00:53 EST 2007
On Feb. 20, 2007, the Federal Government, including the White House
Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Dept. of Health & Human
Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency jointly issued
guidelines for proper disposal of prescription drugs. The press release
is reprinted below, but it is also available at
http://www.ondcp.gov/news/press07/022007.html
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
WHAT EVERY AMERICAN CAN DO TO PREVENT MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
(Washington, DC)—In the face of rising trends in prescription drug
abuse, the Federal government today issued new guidelines for the
proper disposal of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) jointly released the new guidelines, which
are designed to reduce the diversion of prescription drugs, while
also protecting the environment.
The new Federal prescription drug disposal guidelines urge Americans
to:
§ Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their
original containers
§ Mix the prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, like
used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable,
non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, further
ensuring that the drugs are not diverted or accidentally ingested by
children or pets
§ Throw these containers in the trash
§ Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the accompanying
patient information specifically instructs it is safe to do so
§ Return unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs to
pharmaceutical take-back locations that allow the public to bring
unused drugs to a central location for safe disposal
Abuse of prescription drugs to get high has become increasingly
prevalent among teens and young adults. Past year abuse of
prescription pain killers abuse now ranks second—only behind
marijuana—as the Nation's most prevalent illegal drug problem. While
overall youth drug use is down by 23 percent since 2001,
approximately 6.4 million Americans report non-medical use of
prescription drugs. New abusers of prescription drugs have caught up
with the number of new users of marijuana. Much of this abuse appears
to be fueled by the relative ease of access to prescription drugs.
Approximately 60 percent of people who abuse prescription pain
killers indicate that they got their prescription drugs from a friend
or relative for free.
John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, said,
"Millions of Americans benefit from the tremendous scientific
achievements represented by modern pharmaceutical products. But, when
abused, some prescription drugs can be as addictive and dangerous as
illegal street drugs. The new prescription drug disposal guidelines
will help us stop and prevent prescription drug abuse, and the harm
it can cause.
Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt said, "Health
care providers, pharmacists, and family should be alert to the
potential for prescription drug misuse, abuse, and dependence. In
addition to supporting the new prescription drug disposal guidelines,
they should address prescription drug misuse honestly and directly
with their patients or loved ones when they suspect it. People in
need should be encouraged to seek help for drug problems and if
needed, enter treatment."
The new Federal guidelines are a balance between public health
concerns and potential environmental concerns.
While EPA continues to research the effects of pharmaceuticals in
water sources, one thing is clear: improper drug disposal is a
prescription for environmental and societal concern," said EPA
Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Following these new guidelines
will protect our Nation's waterways and keep pharmaceuticals out of
the hands of potential abusers."
The new Federal prescription drug disposal guidelines go into effect
immediately. As part of the National Drug Control Strategy, the Bush
Administration has set a goal of reducing prescription drug abuse by
15 percent over three years. In addition to promoting awareness of
the risks involved with using prescription drugs for non-medical
purposes as well as they need for adults to strictly control access
to pharmaceuticals within their homes, the Administration supports
the implementation of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs at the
State level. Currently, 33 States have such programs in place.
For more information, please visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Virginia Thompson
Sustainable Healthcare Sector Coordinator
Office of Environmental Innovation (3EA40)
US Environmental Protection Agency Region 3
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Voice: (215) 814-5755; Fax (215) 814-2783
thompson.virginia at epa.gov
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