Q. My 89-year-old mother has a cabinet full of medications, many of which she doesn't take anymore or have expired. What should we do with them all?
Cleaning out your aging loved one's medicine cabinet and disposing of old or unused medications is important to do periodically. The average senior takes four to six different prescriptions a day and refills prescriptions 12 to 17 times per year, according to Arcadia Healthcare, so its not uncommon for seniors to accumulate a large number of medications. Arcadia Healthcare attributes 28 percent of geriatric hospitalizations to adverse drug reactions -- many of which may be caused by taking expired or wrong medications. Properly disposing of those unneeded pills can help prevent drug mix-ups from happening.
However, it's important that you don't dispose of medications by throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet. Unused medications disposed of improperly create health and environmental hazards when introduced into landfills or the water supply.
However, it's important that you don't dispose of medications by throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet. Unused medications disposed of improperly create health and environmental hazards when introduced into landfills or the water supply.
Instead, look for hazardous waste collection services in your area and dispose of unwanted medications that way. On Saturday April 30, Frederick residents have the quick and easy option of bringing any unwanted medications to the Drug Disposal Event sponsored by Whitesell Pharmacy in conjunction with the Frederick Police Department. The event will take place at Harry Grove Stadium (21 Stadium Drive, Frederick) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Simply drop off your unused medications, which will be placed in a secure container. All personal information will be kept confidential. You may also remove all personally identifiable information from medicine containers.
Acceptable items include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical samples, pet medications, and medicated ointments or lotions. Non-acceptable items include thermometers, IV bags, blood or infections waste, business waste, syringes, and oxygen tanks. For more information, contact Whitesell Pharmacy at 301-662-4848.
Acceptable items include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical samples, pet medications, and medicated ointments or lotions. Non-acceptable items include thermometers, IV bags, blood or infections waste, business waste, syringes, and oxygen tanks. For more information, contact Whitesell Pharmacy at 301-662-4848.
Senior Home Care Advisor plays a vital role in the Safe Drug Disposal in Frederick. However, it's important that you don't dispose of medications by throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet.
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