Prescription pain relievers are one of the most prescribed medications. They provide necessary relief for millions of people. Often, patients have left-over pain pills and there is a tendency to save them in case they are needed at a later time. Unfortunately, keeping left-over pills can have unintended, even dangerous consequences, especially if they are accessible to others.
Among teens, prescription drugs have become the second most abused drug, behind marijuana. 62% of teens say prescription pain relievers are easy to get from parents’ medicine cabinets, 50% say they are easy to get through other people’s prescriptions, and 52% say prescription pain relievers are “available everywhere, “ according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In addition to easy access, prescription drug abuse has increased among teens because they view them as safer than illegal drugs.
It is important to restrict access to prescription medications in the home. While most parents assume that their children would not take their prescriptions, visitors, such as babysitters or friends, could take them illegally. Therefore, Medications that are currently in use should be locked up or hidden from others.
Medications that are no longer used should be destroyed. You can dispose of unused medications yourself by first be taking them out of their original container, then mixing with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter to prevent any drug diversion or accidental poisoning. Next place the mixture into an empty can or bag and put it in the garbage.
You may also dispose of unneeded medications by taking them to one of the local county disposal boxes called “Take It To The Box”.
Locations are:
- Shakopee – Scott County Sheriff’s Office – Main Lobby-301 Fuller Street South
- Savage – 6000 McColl Drive – Front Vestibule of the Police Dept.
- Prior Lake – 4649 Dakota Street SE – Front vestibule of the Police Dept.
- New Prague – 118 Central Avenue North – Vestibule of City Hall/Police Dept. South Side
- Jordan – 210 East First Street – Front Main Lobby at City Hall.
- Belle Plaine – 420 East Main Street – Main Entrance of the Police Dept.
Leave the medication in the original container, but remove your name and any other identifying information. Leave the name of the medication on the container. For more information, call 952.496.8244 or go to www.co.scott.mn.us.
If you have any questions about how to dispose of your unused medications, please contact the pharmacy at 952.233.2900.
