Loyola Medicine Medication Take Back Day to Provide Safe Disposal of Old Medications for Local Community

MAYWOOD, IL – Loyola Medicine’s Opioid Task Force, in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Department, is organizing a Medication Take Back Day for community members, patients and colleagues to safely dispose of their old medications. The event will take place on Friday, June 11 from 10 am – 2 pm in the Loyola Outpatient Center (2160 S. First Ave., Maywood). Loyola Medicine has held this event several times throughout past years, collecting unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications, insulin vials, over-the-counter medications and herbals, veterinary medications and medication patches. No illicit drugs, liquid medications, aerosols/inhalers will be accepted. The service is free and anonymous.

"This event can make a huge impact in our local communities," said Megan Rech, PharmD, co-chair of the Opioid Task Force for Loyola Medicine. "Providing a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of old medications, especially opioids, benefits the health and safety of the whole community."

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

In 2017, an estimated 18 million people misused prescription drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with 18-25 year olds reporting the highest percentages of misuse. Prescription medications are the leading cause of accidental poisoning in children. Senior citizens also are at elevated risk for misuse and mistakes.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department initiated the Prescription Drug Take Back Program in 2012 and established permanent collection sites at each of the Cook County suburban courthouses as well as the Criminal Court Building in Chicago. The program has expanded to more than 80 local law enforcement and local government partners.

For more information on preventing prescription drug misuse, go to the following websites:

• www.dea.gov
• www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com
• www.justthinktwice.com
• www.campusdrugprevention.gov

Drug Disposal Guidelines

Accepted:

• Prescription medications (including CII – CV)
• Insulin vials
• Over-the-counter medications and herbals/”nutraceuticals”
• Veterinary medications
• Medication patches

Unable to Accept:

• Illicit drugs
• Liquid medications
• Aerosols/inhalers

Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website for more valuable information about DEA’s National Take-Back Initiative.

For more information on the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals, go to the following websites:

Food and Drug Administration

Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know

How to Dispose of Unused Medicines