« Dying At Home Easier On Cancer Patients As Well As On Caregivers | Main | New policies, guideline-driven care may interfere with physician-patient relationship »
September 29, 2010
DEA Urges People To Clean Out Medicine Cabinets To Prevent Abuse
The Los Angeles Times (9/13, Faturechi) "LA Now" blog reported that "federal drug enforcement agents are encouraging the public to clean out their medicine cabinets." Later this month, "at almost 3,000 sites across the nation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration will invite members of the public to turn in expired or leftover prescription and over-the-counter medications for disposal."
Officials say that the medicines are being "increasingly abused and can often find their way from medicine cabinets to the black market." The Detroit Free Press (9/13, Hall) also covered the story.
The Forth Worth Star Telegram (9/13, Ramirez) noted that "several North Texas police and law enforcement agencies will be teaming with the Drug Enforcement Administration on Sept. 25 for a first-ever national 'Take Back' program where residents can safely discard prescription medications for destruction." The paper said that "in many cases, residents flush unused medicine down a toilet or throw them away," but "both disposal methods are potential safety and health hazards," according to the police.
Related Links:
- "DEA asks public to turn in unused medication in effort to prevent drug abuse," Robert Faturechi, Los Angeles Times, September 13, 2010.
- "North Texas cities will help dispose of unwanted prescription drugs," Domingo Ramirez, Jr., Fort Worth Star Telegram, September 13, 2010.
Posted by admin at September 29, 2010 01:49 AM