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When was the last time you cleaned out your household supply of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines? Just like the dosing instructions and additional information on the label, the expiration date on the packaging is there for a reason. Once a medicine has reached its expiration date, it may not provide the treatment that you need.
To ensure the medicines you take are both safe and effective, keep an eye on the expiration dates and safely dispose of any expired or unwanted medicines. According to research, most people fully realize proper disposal of medicines is important. However, one in five report they don’t know safe disposal guidelines.
Fortunately, there are several convenient options to dispose of all OTCs, including in your home. Here’s how to do it safely!
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How to Safely Dispose of Medicine
How to Safely Dispose of Medicine
How to Safely Dispose of Medicine
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When was the last time you cleaned out your household supply of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines? Just like the dosing instructions and additional information on the label, the expiration date on the packaging is there for a reason. Once a medicine has reached its expiration date, it may not provide the treatment that you need.
To ensure the medicines you take are both safe and effective, keep an eye on the expiration dates and safely dispose of any expired or unwanted medicines. According to research, most people fully realize proper disposal of medicines is important. However, one in five report they don’t know safe disposal guidelines.
Fortunately, there are several convenient options to dispose of all OTCs, including in your home. Here’s how to do it safely!
Option 1: In-Home Disposal
Follow these simple steps from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispose of OTCs in your household trash:
- Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
- Throw the container in your household trash.
There are also a small number of medicines that you can safely dispose of by flushing them down your sink or toilet. The FDA's Flush List provides a listing of these medicines, which may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal with just one dose if they are not used appropriately. Do not flush any medicine unless it is on the flush list and always follow disposal instructions that have been provided to you by a healthcare professional.
Many pharmacies and law enforcement agencies have disposal kiosks where consumers can dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medicine – both OTC and prescription drugs – from their households.
For example:
- Walgreens has more than 1,500 safe medication disposal kiosks at locations across 46 states and Washington, D.C. as part of its Safe Medication Disposal Program.
- Rite Aid provides medicine disposal units to local law enforcement agencies across the country.
- CVS’s Medication Disposal for Safer Communities program provides disposal units to local law enforcement agencies, and disposal kiosks have been installed in more than 750 of their stores nationwide.
To find a safe medication disposal site near you, learn more by visiting the kiosk site locator on MyOldMeds.com.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenOption 3: Community Drug Take-Back Days
Take advantage of events that allow you to take expired or no longer wanted medicines to a specified location for safe disposal. For example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) periodically hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events where collection sites are set up in communities nationwide for safe disposal. Law enforcement agencies may also sponsor medicine take-back programs in your community.
Questions about prescription medicines? For specific information on disposal of prescription drugs, including which ones should be flushed, head on over to the FDA’s official website.
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
This page was developed in collaboration with BeMedWise, a program of the national nonprofit NeedyMeds that promotes the safe use of medicines through trusted communication for better health. BeMedWise was launched in 2017 by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), which was established in 1982 as one of the original patient safety coalitions.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6+: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6+: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.