460th MDG offers new drug disposal program

Published Jan. 7, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Chris Plunkett
460th Medical Group Pharmacy Element

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Beginning Dec. 17, in an effort to improve safety in our military community, the 460th Medical Group pharmacy added a new option for medication disposal for its beneficiaries. Located in the pharmacy lobby adjacent to pick-up window six, the new MedSafe allows patients to safely dispose of any unwanted or expired medications.

The MedSafe is accessible during normal pharmacy hours and can accept most oral medications. Medications should be left in the original packaging when possible.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse and abuse. The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health states almost twice as many Americans, approximately 6.8 million, abused pharmaceutical controlled substances as illegal narcotics such as cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined. Nearly 110 Americans die every day from drug-related overdoses, and about half of those are related to opioids, a class of drug that includes prescription painkillers and heroin. More than 70 percent of people who misuse prescription painkillers for the first time report obtaining the drugs from friends or relatives, including the home medicine cabinet.

The MedSafe does not allow:
- Any illegal schedule I drugs (heroin, cocaine, marijuana, etc.)
- Sharp containers, needles, syringes, batteries, aerosol spray cans, trash, medical devices, chemicals or other hazardous materials
- Liquids over four ounces (liquids under four ounces must be sealed in a plastic bag)

For questions about safe medication disposal or any other questions pertaining to the pharmacy, call 720-847-9355, option four.

New prescription medication disposal box at pharmacy