Medication safety: Medina County Health Department reminds residents to prioritize safe storage and disposal

Pain management is a crucial aspect of healthcare. Just as important as effective pain management, however, is storing prescription pain medication in a safe place and disposing of it properly. In Ohio, about 30% of residents have been prescribed pain relievers in the past five years. These medications can be beneficial, but they can also cause harm if used incorrectly. The Medina County Health Department (MCHD) encourages all residents to consider some important reminders about medication storage and disposal.

Storing current medications safely

• The safest way to store medications is in a locked container where others cannot access them.

• Keep them out of reach of children, pets and guests.

• Regularly check the expiration dates of your prescriptions. If expired, safely dispose of them.

Disposing of medications safely

• The best way to dispose of unused medication is to drop it off at a drug take-back location.

• Medina County has a variety of drop-off sites, most located at local police departments. For help finding a disposal location, call your local police department or the Medina County Health Department at 330-723-9688, option 2.

• Do not flush medicine down the drain or toilet.

• Remove any personal information from bottles or packages before throwing away the container.

Deterra bags are drug disposal pouches that can be used at home or in a clinical setting to safely destroy unused or expired medications. MCHD also has Deterra bags and lock boxes available for safe disposal and storage at home. These resources will be offered at the Senior and Adult Services building at the Medina Recreation Center on Monday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon. For questions, call 330-723-9688, option 2.

The Medina County Health Department has protected public health since 1918. Services are partially supported by the local health levy. The institution is an equal opportunity provider.