Why is it important to clean out expired or left-over medications?

• 1 in 5 Ontario students (Gr. 7-12) have used prescription opioids non-medically
• 74% report they got them from home
• Medications are the most common cause of poisoning in young children
• Taking expired medications can be harmful

What can you do?

Many people don’t realize prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs. Someone who would never try street drugs might feel safe abusing prescription drugs.

See: Myth Busters: 6 Myths about Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse
We all have a direct impact on the access to prescription drugs and can take immediate steps to protect others from the dangers by following a few simple tips:

CLEAN OUT any left-over, unused medications

Generally any expired or unused medications should be returned to your pharmacist.

Most pharmacies offer free, safe disposal service year-round for their customers. Visit http://makethedrop.ca/content/what-orange-drop for a pharmacy near you accepting left over medications.

Alternately, medications can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Road, Peterborough; Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm year-round or sites in the County during the summer months: http://www.county.peterborough.on.ca/files/pdf/mhswsitehours.pdf
Medications are hazardous waste and should not be thrown out as it harms our environment nor flushed into our waterways.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about what you’re being prescribed. If you’re on three or more medications for a chronic condition, Ontario’s “MedsCheck” program allows you to schedule a half hour session with your pharmacist to review all your medications. Call your local pharmacist to book. You must bring your OHIP (health) card and all medications with you. For more information on this program, call 1-866-255-6701 or 1-800-387-5559 (TTY) or visit Medscheck

SECURE any medications you are still taking

Approach securing your prescriptions the same way you would other valuables in your home, like jewellery or cash. If possible, keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet only you can access.  Ask friends and family (especially grandparents) to safeguard their prescription drugs as well.

Click here for a visual tour of where your teens might seek prescription drugs in your home and elsewhere.


KEEP TRACK of quantities

Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills (yours and your children’s). If you find you have to refill medication more often than expected, there could be a real problem—someone may be taking your medication without your knowledge.  

For a paper booklet to help monitor your medications, click here

USE MEDICATIONS SAFELY and Seek Help

For more information on safe use, click here.

For more information on seeking help, click here


Check out these videos:

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