Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are present in Illinois drinking water. Possible sources include human use, veterinary use, and agriculture use. While only trace levels of pharmaceuticals have been found—at levels far below that which could affect humans—safe disposal of medications is an environmental, public health and patient safety issue.

Download Tips for Safe Medication Disposal, a brochure developed by ISMS, to educate your patients on proper disposal practices for most prescription and over-the-counter medications. For patients who have unused or expired prescription medications, physicians may first want to find out why, and counsel the patient appropriately if due to non-compliance or improper administration of medication.

Physician offices should also review their own disposal practices and ensure that pharmaceutical substances are being disposed of properly, and make certain that all federal, state and local regulations are followed. Visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency web site for guidance at www.epa.state.il.us

Questions? Contact the Division of Health Policy Research and Advocacy at 312-782-1654.

Advisory from the FDA
There are some drugs, such as powerful narcotic pain relievers and other controlled substances, that carry instructions for flushing to reduce the danger of unintentional use or overdose and illegal abuse. If a take back program for controlled substances is not available in your area, then follow the FDA guidelines for disposal by flushing the following drugs down the toilet.