Proper Disposal of Unused Pain Medications
About Dr. Della Valle
Dr. Della Valle is a professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. He is not only a busy surgeon (having performed more than 11,000 hip and knee replacements) but a respected leader in the field of hip and knee research. He travels extensively sharing his research and these experiences allow him exposure to the most up to date information to maximize patient quality of care.
More about Dr. Della Valle Dr. Della Valle's CV Schedule an AppointmentThe best way to dispose of unused pain medications, including opioids, is to take them to a drug take back location. Take back locations include places like drug stores, hospitals, police stations and fire houses.
If you do not have a drug take back location near you, flushing the drugs down the toilet is the next best option. Please be sure the drug is on the FDA flush list first. If the drug is not on the flush list, please follow these FDA instructions.
For more detailed instructions, please visit the FDA web site.
For more information on managing opioid usage, visit the AAHKS web site.
