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NEWS | April 19, 2018

Medsafe medication disposal container available at the Joint Base Andrews main pharmacy

By Kathleen Tyler, 11th Medical Support Squadron

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Unused or expired prescription medications can lead to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdoes. A Medsafe medication disposal container has recently been installed outside the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center Main Pharmacy, to safely dispose of your unused medications.
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Medsafe Medication Disposal Container available at the Joint Base Andrews Main Pharmacy
Unused or expired prescription medications can lead to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdoes. A Medsafe medication disposal container has recently been installed outside the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center Main Pharmacy, to safely dispose of your unused medications.
Photo By: Master Sgt. Mytien Thi Pham, 11th Medical Group
VIRIN: 180427-F-FB586-1001
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held April 28. Unused or expired prescription medications can lead to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdoes. In compliance with recent Defense Health Agency guidance, a Medsafe medication disposal container has recently been installed outside the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center main pharmacy, to properly and safely dispose of your unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Patients may also dispose of medications using personal medication disposal bags, available at the Malcolm Grow main and satellite pharmacies. The Take Back bags are 8x11 inches and postage is pre-paid. Simply place any old/expired/unused medications in the bags, seal them, and mail them at a USPS box or post office. The medications go to a DEA/EPA approved facility for destruction. A medication disposal container and personal disposal bags are also available at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling clinic and pharmacy.

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The Drug Take Back Program helps get outdated or unused medications off household shelves and out of the reach of children and teenagers. It also helps reduce potentially harmful substances being disposed of through the environment, particularly into water.

“Properly disposing of unused prescription drugs, makes our homes and community safer and helps minimize any impact to the environment,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Castiglia, 11th Medical Group pharmacy flight commander. “Medical disposal containers and bags provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs and an opportunity to help prevent drug abuse, misuse and overdose deaths.”

For more information about the disposal of medications, visit the pharmacy at Joint Base Andrews or Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to speak with a staff member to discuss your questions or concerns.