Americans take a lot of medications and, in many cases, find they have leftovers after their various ailments have ceased to be a problem. The question then becomes what to do with medicines that are no longer needed.
Many in the past have resorted to simply flushing the various medicines down the toilet. But, as recent studies of have demonstrated, the chemicals contained in these products and others are being found in drinking water.
According to a 2002 U.S. Geological Survey, 80 percent of 139 streams tested contained traces of drugs including acetaminophen, antibiotics, codeine, hormones, ibuprofen and steroids.
One study done in Utah found nearly a dozen different antibiotic compounds in the water from the Jordan River in the Salt Lake Valley. The problem with this disposal method, according to scientists, is that treatment plants are not designed to remove these chemicals from the water.
There is particular concern over antibiotics being found in the water supply as health officials worry that the presence of the medicines may breed strains of antibiotic-resistance bacteria.
Federal, state and local agencies have issued statements on the proper disposal of medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter) and generally recommend that consumers dispose of medicines in the trash. They suggest added precautions such as mixing medicines with kitty litter, pouring water into bottles containing pills or adding salt or other ingredients into liquid medicines.
As the population ages and the number of remedies filling the nation's medicine cabinets continue to grow, the issue of disposal becomes more pronounced.
Leiter's Pharmacy in San Jose, Calif. has seen an opportunity in this situation and decided to accept medicines from consumers looking to get rid of them in a responsible manner.
Robyn Shalinsky, a pharmacist at Leiter's, told the San Jose Mercury News, "It's really a problem that's ongoing. People just don't want this stuff around."
According to the Mercury News report, Leiter's started the program after speaking with a local hospice that found itself with medicines left over after patients passed away.
A law passed last month in California has authorized grants for pilot programs focused on collecting old medicines.
The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, praised Leiter's. "This is exactly the kind of community responsibility we need. When pharmacies take back and properly dispose of unused medicine, it means cleaner waterways."
Discussion Questions: Should pharmacies step up and take an active role in collecting unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines? Will pharmacies such as Leiter's that take an active role in this area benefit competitively as a result?
- At last, a home for unwanted drugs - San Jose Mercury News
- Disposing of Prescription Medicines and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products - State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
- Prescription meds: Drop off, don't flush - The Salt Lake Tribune
- Government Guidelines on Disposal of Leftover Drugs - DOTmed.com