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Promoting medication safety

Last updated on December 4, 2024

Dispose of your medications properly

If you have leftover or expired medication, it is important that you safely dispose of them.

 

State laws and regulations

Medication disposal laws vary from state to state. You can find information about local laws and regulations on your state’s health department website. Waste disposal companies can help you dispose of unwanted medication.

GRP & Associates

Waste Management

United States federal guidelines

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or White House Drug Policy websites to learn about federal guidelines.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

White House drug policy


Controlled substances policy

As of Jan. 1, 2020, your provider must send prescriptions for all controlled substances through the certified electronic system. Talk with your prescriber about using a safe and secure system. This policy change does not affect members residing in nursing homes or in hospice care, nor members in Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How do I know if my prescription is a controlled substance?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulates certain medication for safety and potential for abuse. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist to see if your medication is a controlled substance. Or visit the DEA’s website to view a list of these medications.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) “Controlled Substances Act”

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