To Your Health: Old medications can return to pharmacies

Pallot recommends taking old medication out of its bottles, putting it in a sealable bag or other container, and bringing it to a pharmacy.

“So yeah, just bring your medications to the pharmacy, and we will do the rest,” she said.

Pallot says pharmacies have special containers for returned medication. They pick up the contents and incinerate them, which keeps the medication out of landfills and sewers.

According to Pallot, you can return many types of medication.

“Any form of medication can be brought back to the pharmacy,” she said.

This includes pills, liquids, creams, and even old inhalers that might still have some doses left.

Injectable medication needs special handling. Pallot says if a needle is attached, it should go in a sharps container. Most pharmacies have these containers available.

If there is no needle attached, Pallot says you can return the medication itself to a pharmacy for disposal.

She also warns people not to give their unused medication to others.

“Never share old medications,” Pallot said.

She says old medication could be expired and might not work. She also says people should see a medical professional to get the right diagnosis and treatment for their symptoms.

by Dave Branco

To Your Health: Old medications can return to pharmacies

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