Guard and Discard
Safely use prescription medicines.
Safely store prescription medicines.
Safely dispose prescription medicines.
Understanding how to safely use them is key to avoiding serious side effects. Take prescription medication as prescibed and never share your medications. Store your prescription medications in a secure location out of sigh. Discard unused or expired medications safely through drug take back programs.
Store prescription pain medications in a secure location.
In 2016, more than 60% of people 18-25 years old obtained prescription pain medications for non-medical use from family members or friends.
Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Storage
DO lock up medicines that are at risk for being abused
DO store medicines in original containers
DO keep track of how many pills you have during treatment
DON’T share medicine with someone for whom it was not intended
DON’T leave medicines in plain flight or in places that aren’t secure
Proper disposal can prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings.
Proper disposal of unneeded or expired medication can prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings. It can also protect the environment. Drop off unneeded or expired prescription medications at a local drug take-back location. If no medicine take back programs or DEA-authorized take back event are available and no specific disposal instructions were provided, follow these steps to dispose most medicines in the household trash.
Mix medicines (do not crush) with an unpalatable substance (i.e., dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds)
Place the mixture in a container with a lid or sealable plastic bag
Throw the container in your household trash
Eliminate all personal information on the medicine bottle and dispose the container
When in doubt about proper disposal, contact your local pharmacist.
Use as directed.
Only take what is prescribed.
Don't share with others.
Prescription pain medications have benefits and risks. It is important to speak with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you understand how to use them safely. Only take medications prescribed to you and never share medications. Prescription medications can be safe and effective if used as directed, but can be dangerous when used incorrectly.
Safely use prescription medicines.
Safely store prescription medicines.
Safely dispose prescription medicines.
Prescription pain medications have benefits and risks. Understanding how to safely use them is key to avoiding serious side effects. Take prescription medication as prescibed and never share your medications. Store your prescription medications in a secure location out of sigh. Discard unused or expired medications safely through drug take back programs.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all of the community businesses that have said “yes” to being a part of our statewide initiative to remind people of how to properly use, store, and dispose of prescription medications. These businesses are investing in the health of their customers, by posting the posters in their businesses and/or having the postcards out available to customers. Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder to spark an action. If you and your business would like to be a part of this initiative, please contact Janyce Hamilton at jhamilton@360youthservices.org.