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When you have expired medication...

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the lynx
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When you have expired medication...

Post by the lynx » Wed, 22 May 2013 3:10 pm

...how should you dispose of it?

Any idea?

Obviously flushing down the toilet is not a good idea. And so is rubbish bin. I tried to look for information but NEA has nil info.

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Post by Steve1960 » Wed, 22 May 2013 3:19 pm

I usually crush tablets then put in the bin. Time consuming but ensures they cannot be reused. Liquids I have to say I do flush.

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the lynx
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Post by the lynx » Wed, 22 May 2013 3:22 pm

For environmental concerns, flushing down medication (be it liquid or tablets) or disposing them in regular trash is not a good idea. I'm actually wondering if Singapore have some kind of take-back programme like how they do it in the USA and other countries.

Or even medicine-recycling programme by NGOs.

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Post by Steve1960 » Wed, 22 May 2013 3:25 pm

Yes I agree. Maybe ask your local GP? Think I will do the same when we next have a disposal.

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Post by x9200 » Wed, 22 May 2013 4:59 pm

the lynx wrote:For environmental concerns, flushing down medication (be it liquid or tablets) or disposing them in regular trash is not a good idea.
With probably very few exceptions the only concern I would have is if a kid/somebody/mammal finds it and eats it. For environmental reason in general it is IMHO negligible if not completely safe. You metabolise only a fraction of it anyway. The fact that organic (in true meaning of this word) drugs are bioactive also make them not to last too long so throw them away or flush down them but ensure nobody will take it.

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Post by x9200 » Wed, 22 May 2013 5:03 pm

I am happy to notice that FDA agrees with me on this.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyo ... 186187.htm

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Post by iloverice » Wed, 22 May 2013 5:34 pm

the lynx wrote:For environmental concerns, flushing down medication (be it liquid or tablets) or disposing them in regular trash is not a good idea. I'm actually wondering if Singapore have some kind of take-back programme like how they do it in the USA and other countries.

Or even medicine-recycling programme by NGOs.
Your post remind me of the Korean movie, the Host. :D

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Post by JR8 » Wed, 22 May 2013 6:09 pm

My 2c was going to be return it to a doctor (I see +1 agreed with that thought).

I would be most surprised if a GP would not take back unused/expired medication. after all, they take back sharps/needles, and other medical waste...

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Post by x9200 » Wed, 22 May 2013 8:15 pm

I think they pay pretty extra to get it disposed. A few patients a year should not be a problem but I would be surprise if they were happy to receive it regularly.

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