Public asked to take old meds back to pharmacy, not flush

EDMONTON — Police across the country are encouraging the public to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of their unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs at their local pharmacy.

It’s part of National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. The Edmonton Police Service says it’s an easy way to dispose of them and provide awareness on the serious public health and safety impacts of prescription drug abuse in Canada.

“Youth are increasingly using prescription drugs for recreational purposes, and the majority are getting these drugs from family medicine cabinets,” says Detective Guy Pilon, EPS Drug and Gang Section.

“It’s reported that youth who misuse opioid prescriptions are getting them from their home about 70 per cent of the time, and from friends about six per cent of the time,” he added.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's reported that youth who misuse opioid prescriptions are getting them from their home about 70 per cent of the time, and from friends about six per cent of the time," he added.

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“We can reduce the risks of accidental poisoning by returning unused prescriptions to the pharmacy.”

EPS said poisoning, addiction, overdose and death can occur with certain prescription drugs — like opioids, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers — if they are abused and used without medical supervision.

Police added recreational use can contribute to criminal behaviour like, drug-impaired driving, health care fraud, pharmacy robberies and drug-trafficking.

Drugs thrown in the trash or flushed down the drain can make their way into the water supply and harm the environment.

“Many people simply don’t know what to do with their old medications,” said Todd Prochnau, President of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Many people simply don't know what to do with their old medications," said Todd Prochnau, President of the Alberta Pharmacists' Association.

“By bringing your old medications back to the pharmacy they can be disposed of safely, and it also provides an opportunity to touch base with the pharmacist about your prescription,” added Prochnau.

Unwanted or outdated prescriptions can be returned to a local pharmacy at anytime. To find a participating pharmacy, visit the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association’s website.

Edmonton Police said approximately 1.5 tons of drugs were collected through National Prescription Drug Drop-off Day in 2014, and approximately 2.5 tons in 2013. Prescription drugs are not accepted at police stations.