National Drug Take Back Day

It’s normal for most households to have a medicine cabinet that contains prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements and first-aid supplies. But when medicines have expired or are no longer necessary, it’s important to dispose of them properly. Proper disposal helps prevent the potential misuse of dangerous drugs and reduce the risk of accidental exposure, especially if there are children in the home.

Accidental exposure to medicines in the home are a major source for pediatric poisonings and lead to approximately 60,000 emergency room visits and 450,000 calls to poison centers each year.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is committed to supporting the health and safety of our members. If you have any unused or expired medications, we encourage you to take advantage of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 22. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day gives you a safe, convenient and a responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs and learn about the potential for abuse of medications.

If it’s not possible for you to participate in Drug Take Back Day, the FDA recommends flushing some medicines down the toilet to remove the risk from your home. Review the Flush List here.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 22 Take Back Day event, go to www.dea.gov/takebackday.