With many aging parents taking several different prescriptions, and with doctors changing and adding dosages and medications to find out the ideal solutions, it is crucial to understand what to do with medication for elderly loved ones that is no longer needed or that has expired. There are several options:
- Check labels. The medication’s label or informational literature may provide instructions on the best way to safely dispose of the drug. You may also consult the pharmacist for guidelines.
- Participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This is the preferred method to properly get rid of unwanted medications, and it is organized yearly in locations across the country by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Find the venue closest to you as well as the next date for your local event here.
- Exercise care prior to flushing prescriptions down the toilet. Flushing medications down the toilet is normally not advised, but there are particular exceptions, outlined in the FDA’s Flush List here. Medications currently deemed acceptable to flush include:
- Acetaminophen
- Benzhydrocodone
- Buprenorphine
- Diazepam
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Methylphenidate
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Sodium Oxybate
- Tapentadol
- Disguise when disposing. Many prescription medications can be thrown away with normal trash, if safeguards are taken to restrict animals from unintentionally eating them or from anyone looking for drugs to uncover and ingest them. The FDA suggests mixing the prescription drugs with an undesirable substance – such as coffee grounds or kitty litter – and then putting in a sealed plastic bag prior to adding to your household trash bag.
- Remove identifying information. Be sure to scratch out and/or shred any personal information to protect the older adult’s identity and to prevent anybody who is unauthorized from finding the pill container and getting a refill of the prescription.
For more assistance with medications, including medication reminders to ensure older adults take prescriptions just as directed by the health care provider, contact the aging care professionals at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, the leaders in senior home care in Hinsdale and surrounding areas. We’re also here to assist with a wide selection of aging care needs in the home that improve wellbeing for older adults, including:
- Assistance with hygiene and personal care needs
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housecleaning
- Companionship to engage in conversations and enjoyable activities
- Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and outings
- Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
- And a lot more
Call us at (630) 323-4665 to let us know more about the challenges your loved one is facing, and to ask about a free in-home consultation to allow us to share how we can help.