Throwing away old RX

[Yolanda]

I am cleaning out my medicine cabinet and I was about to throw away old rx bottles when I started wondering about the labels. Do you tear off the labels or use a marker to block out your name or do you just toss them not caring that your name is on them?

We recently had a big case here about rx fraud/medical identity theft so now I am wanting to be extra cautious.

Thanks for your input!

[bunny nose]

I usually take off the labels before I throw the bottles away. You can never be to safe.

[sixlets]

I always try to tear the labels off the bottles. If I can't tear them off, I use a sharpie on my name/address and all the drug information.

[Scooter]

I always try to tear the labels off the bottles. If I can't tear them off, I use a sharpie on my name/address and all the drug information.

Ditto. I also tear up or shred the labels if I can get them off in one piece.

[MichelleRenee]

I tear off the labels and then take the bottles to the pharmacy for disposal if they are not empty. You should not throw away/flush actual meds if there are any leftover in the bottles.

[imagirliegirl]

I never thought about tearing off the labels. Leave it to CC to make me paranoid about something new. :p

[Yolanda]

Okay, so I tore off all the labels. I also combined all the meds into a ziplock bag (RX & OTC)...should I take those to the Pharmacy for disposal?

*I always see people on tv flushing pills...I wouldn't do that. Besides, I don't think it would be very good on our septic system.;)

[Mrs. M.]

Old medications should go to the pharmacy. They will dispose of it properly.

[diam124]

I never thought about tearing off the labels. Leave it to CC to make me paranoid about something new. :p

Me either. Why do people take the labels off?

[Yolanda]

Why do people take the labels off?
To prevent identity theft/medical fraud is the only thing I can think of.

I will be taking the pills to the Pharmacy then. Thanks!

[sixlets]

I worked in a pharmacy (national retail as a certified tech) for over 3 years, and we were not allowed to take any old medications back to dispose of. Please call your pharmacy to see if this is something they offer.

One suggestion on how to get rid of old pills/capsules-crush them up into a fine powder and place them in used coffee grounds. The coffee grounds acts as an absorber.

[Yolanda]

I will call before taking anything in. What would be the easiest way to crush the pills into a powder?

[sixlets]

I will call before taking anything in. What would be the easiest way to crush the pills into a powder?
I have put them on a paperplate and used a glass or a meat tenderizer. Anything that is heavy will work just fine!

[bug]

I tear off the labels & recycle the bottles. I also shred the info packets & bags they come in. In the event of old pills, I just toss the pills in the garbage. When my MIL was dying of cancer a few years ago & had some mega drugs at home, we returned them to the pharmacy after she died. We were told by the pharmacy not to put them in the trash due to the possible theft of the pills & a potential threat of someone breaking in to her home looking for drugs. That didn't even enter our minds.