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      Safe Disposal Education Best Practices

      Pursuant to requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), safe disposal of unused prescription medications must be discussed with the patient during the CMR. Reviewing how to properly dispose of expired, unwanted or unused medications with your patient is an important part of ensuring they can safely manage their medications. Educating your patients about safe disposal of medications can help save lives by preventing accidental poisoning, misuse or overdose that may occur when unused medications are not disposed of properly.

      Safe disposal guidance is also included in the Patient Takeaway you create in our platform and provide to your patient following a CMR. A summary page outlines steps to properly dispose of medications and highlights the closest local Drug Take Back locations.

      Discussing safe disposal during the CMR

      You may share safe disposal practices whenever it feels most appropriate during the CMR. Consider talking about safe disposal while reviewing individual medications as you update their Medication List. You could also highlight how to safely dispose of unused medications as you wrap up your review with a summary of key discussion points and action items. Then remind the patient they’ll have a convenient reference as part of the takeaway you’ll provide in follow-up to their CMR.

      Options for the safe disposal of medications to consider adding to your talking points

      • Follow instructions provided with the medication.
        • Some medications may give specific disposal details on their label or within an accompanying patient information leaflet.
      • Ask your local pharmacy.
        • Some pharmacies provide onsite medication drop-off boxes or offer mail-back programs.
        • The pharmacy may have special packages needed to mail medications.
      • Bring your medications to a community Drug Take Back location.
        • The CMR Patient Takeaway will include a listing of closest available sites, which may or may not be the location where the patient received the CMR.
        • This is the preferred method for controlled substances. o Visit DEATakeBack.com to find other collection sites in the area.
      • If appropriate, dispose of the medication at home.
        • Throwing away medications in your household trash:
          • Remove the medicine from its container and mix with an unappealing substance, such as dirt, used coffee grounds or kitty litter.
          • Put this mixture in a sealable bag or other container to prevent leaking or breaking out of the garbage bag.
          • Place the bag or container in the trash.
      • Flushing medications in the toilet or sink:
        • Certain approved medications can be flushed if specifically outlined within the prescription labeling.
          • Typically applies to medications that are sought-after for their misuse and/or abuse potential or could result in harm if inappropriately taken.
        • Check the FDA’s Flush List to see if the medication is approved and may be flushed.
        • Only flush medicines on the Flush List if a take-back option is not readily available

      Best practices to share with patients

      While reviewing safe disposal procedures, share these important reminders and best practices.

      “Take or scratch off personal information, including the prescription number, from the packaging before you dispose of the medication.”

      • “Always check the expiration date on your medication bottles or packages and the appearance of the medication.”
        • “Expired medications or medications that appear discolored, dried out or crumbling should never be used. These medications should be disposed of following one of the methods we discussed.”
      • “Keep medications safely stored, especially opioids or other controlled substances:
        • Store your medications out of plain sight.
        • Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
        • Choose a cool, dry location to store medications since heat and humidity can damage them. A kitchen cupboard (away from the stove or sink) or bedroom cupboard is better than the medicine cabinet in your bathroom.
        • Never leave medications in your car as extreme temperatures may cause damage.
        • Consider storing medications in a lock box.”
      • “Making safe storage part of your habits and having a plan on how to safely dispose of any medications you no longer need is important for not only your safety, but the safety of your loved ones and pets. Not disposing of unused, unwanted or expired medications properly increases risk of an accidental poisoning, misuse or overdose.”

      Documenting the safe disposal discussion

      On the Takeaway tab, you’ll complete an attestation to confirm you covered all required elements during the CMR, including how to safely dispose of unused prescription medications.