BOARD OF PHARMACY LAUNCHES ONLINE SEARCH TOOL FOR DRUG TAKE-BACK LOCATIONS

Source:  California State Board of Pharmacy

August 22, 2018 (San Diego) - Consumers looking for a place to safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs can now find pharmacies offering drug take-back services authorized by the California State Board of Pharmacy.

The Board of Pharmacy has created an online resource of pharmacies statewide that have signed up under state regulations to accept unused drugs from consumers. Besides promoting convenience and protection for the environment, the regulations are intended to help stop prescription drug abuse by increasing options for the public to safely get rid of medications.

The drug take-back search tool is available at the California State Board of Pharmacy website, www.pharmacy.ca.gov. A link to Drug Take-back Search and Information is posted on the right side of the homepage under Popular Pages.

Users can enter a pharmacy name, city or ZIP code to easily find a nearby location for disposing of unused medications. The search page also has links to help consumers find additional drug take-back locations through resources operated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Don’t Rush to Flush and the California Department of Public Health.

Pharmacies operating take-back programs registered with the Board of Pharmacy may offer two types of services: on-site collection bins and/or envelopes for mailing back medications. Consumers may dispose of prescription drugs – including controlled substances – as well as over-the-counter medications in collection bins and mail-back envelopes. Auto-injectors such as EpiPens and other sharps and needles are not accepted; check the California Department of Public Health for a list of sites that accept home-generated sharps.

Consumers are encouraged to check the Board of Pharmacy website periodically for additional information about disposing of unused medications and preventing drug abuse. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events biannually; information about next DEA Take Back Day – October 27, 2018 – can be found here.

The California State Board of Pharmacy protects and promotes the health and safety of California consumers by pursuing the highest quality of pharmacist care and the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals through education, communication, licensing, legislation, regulation and enforcement.