Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Drugs CREATED BY THE NORTH FLORIDA RX AND HEROIN TASKFORCE

Once you are in possession of a prescription drug you accept the responsibility of prescribed use and storage Commonly abused and potentially lethal drugs such as pain killers i.e. Oxycodone, Percocet, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, etc. need to be treated with extreme caution. As well as, benzodiazepines. I.e. Valium, Klonopin and Xanax. Responsibility

Accountability All prescribed drugs should safely be stored and maintained. Keep all drugs in their original child-proof containers and in a locked safe if possible. Accountability for each individual dosage is recommended. Be sure to count your meds upon receiving them from the pharmacy AND regularly once they are in your home.

70% of people 12 and older who abuse prescription drugs say they got them from a friend or relative (either for free, purchased, or by theft) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of Applied Studies. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2014.

If You Wouldn’t do this in Your Home

You Shouldn't Do This

Storage of Lethal Items Are A MUST! A safe lock-box for prescription drugs A safe lockbox for fire-arms

The last thing you would want to happen

Disposal 101 Once you are finished taking prescription drugs you should properly dispose of them i.e. DEA Pill Take Back Program, Designated Drop Box Locations or via Disposal Bags.

Current Drop-Box Locations Duval County Walgreen’s – 6006 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32216 1801 N. Davis St. Jacksonville, FL 32209 Police Memorial Building- Forsyth Entrance- 501 E. Bay St. Jacksonville, FL 32202 Neptune Beach Police Department- 200 Lemon St. Neptune Beach, FL 32266

DEA Take-Back Days DEA holds two prescription take-back days a year. DEA Prescription Drug Take Back/DEA Jacksonville Office (904) 348-5225

Disposal Bags Prescription Disposal bags, such as the Deterra brand can also be purchased. Once the pills are introduced to the contents of the bag and all instructions are followed, the drug become neutralized and can be disposed of in the trash. To purchase: https://shop.deterrasystem.com/

What if I am unable to access these solutions? Remove personal information from the prescription label and keep the medicine in its original container. Add water to solid pills. Also add a nontoxic and unpalatable substance, such as coffee grounds or kitty litter to the container. Seal the container with duct tape and place inside a second, unmarked container, then place in the trash

Why can’t I flush my unused prescriptions? The Florida Department of Health and the EPA strongly advise against flushing medication Prescriptions flushed down the toilet or the drain can have harmful effects on our water systems and the animals who inhabit them.

Questions?