Aware Fact

Counterfeiters are selling fakes of many kinds of drugs, including pills claimed to treat heart disease, arthritis, asthma, AIDS and cancer.

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Fourth DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Getting rid of unused, unwanted prescription medications can help prevent the misuse or abuse of these drugs. Since many homes end up with unwanted or expired prescription medications, including controlled substances, such as certain pain medications and ADHD drugs, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has coordinated drug take-back events across the country. Consumers are encouraged to use this unique opportunity to safely and legally dispose of any unneeded pills, including controlled substance medications, as these pills can only be accepted for disposal when law enforcement is present.

The next DEA coordinated National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, 10 AM - 2 PM. DEA drug take-back events provide a safe means for the disposal of unwanted, unused prescription medications. DEA coordinates with local law enforcement agencies so that drug take-back sites can accept controlled substances for authorized disposal.

Now available online, the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day collection site locator allows consumers to search for a convenient location to dispose of unneeded medications, on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Thousands of DEA-coordinated collection sites across the country will accept unwanted, unneeded, and expired prescription medications, including controlled substances, for safe disposal. Check the DEA collection site locator often, as new locations will be added until April 28, 2012.

DEA reminds consumers that the take-back service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. Sites will accept tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage forms of unwanted medication. Personal information may be blacked out on prescription bottles, or medications may be emptied from the bottles into the bins provided at the events.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Events a Success!

Consumers disposed of 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of unwanted medication during the first three DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days. The third DEA take-back event on October 29, 2011, saw participation from 5,327 partners that provided take-back sites across all 50 states and the United States territories. More information and a link to photos in available on the DEA Web site.

Learn More About Safe Medication Disposal and Safe Medication Storage

See the AWARxE Medication Disposal section for more information about safely disposing of unwanted medications and safely storing the medications you need.