78th Med Group gets new MedSafe

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kemejumaka N. Opara
  • 78th Medical Group
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Medications play a critical role in treating health conditions. When those medications are no longer needed, it's important to properly dispose of them to reduce accidental exposure or intentional misuse.

The Team Robins Pharmacy has unveiled a MedSafe drug disposal box. This MedSafe collection box is located in the pharmacy lobby and is available to everyone with base access as a "no questions asked" platform to discard unused or unwanted medications.

Disposing of  medications protects you and the Earth by:

-- Preventing the poisoning of children and pets;
-- Deterring misuse by teenagers and adults;
-- Avoiding health problems resulting from accidentally taking the wrong medication;
-- Keeping medications from entering streams and rivers when poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.

The following may not be discarded in the MedSafe:

-- Medical sharps and needles - those materials place the collector at risk for transmission of pathogens or viruses;
-- Compressed cylinders and aerosols - such as asthma inhalers. Traditionally many inhalers have contained chlorofluorocarbons, a propellant that damages the protective ozone layer. Inhalers and aerosol products could be dangerous if punctured or thrown into a fire or incinerator.

After medication is disposed of in the MedSafe, it's sealed, transported and promptly incinerated.

If you don't have access to a medicine disposal receptacle like the MedSafe, follow these steps:

-- Remove medication from containers and (remember to black out any identifying information) mix them with substances such as coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter. That makes the drug unappealing to children, pets or drug seekers.
-- Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can or container then discard.
When in doubt about proper disposal, ask  your pharmacist.