Medication Safety

Disposing Medications

Removing unused and expired medication from the home prevents unintentional access and misuse. Proper disposal prevents unintended access and is safer for the environment by preventing medication from entering water sources.

  • Find a secure locked drop box in your community or take the medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it properly.
  • Use a medication disposable bag (deactivation kit).
  • Avoid flushing medication down the toilet or in the sink.
  • Avoid disposing of medication in the trash can unless using a deactivation kit.
  • Never give your medication to anyone else. The medication is prescribed and/or recommended for you according to your medical needs

For Information on Drop-Off Locations:

Wake County:Find a dropbox

Across North Carolina:Map of locations

For more information:www.lockyourmeds.org/NC

Poe Contact: Susan Foster [email protected]

Securing and Monitoring Medications

Why secure your medications? It supports proper medication use by intended users and prevents unintentional access and misuse.

  • Use a medication lockbox or pouch.
  • Use a locked cabinet.
  • Use a locked closet.
  • Keep out of reach of others.
  • Count and make sure you follow all instructions for the medication.