Zoeller encourages Hoosiers to drop-off unwanted Rx meds Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said consumers should dispose of any unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27.

Expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications and over-the-counter solid dosage medications such as tablets and capsules will be accepted. Drop-off locations across the state will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

“National Drug Take-Back Day gives consumers an opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets of old or unwanted prescription drugs and dispose of them safely,” Zoeller said. “This effort is especially important if you have children in your home that can access these drugs and potentially misuse or abuse them.”

Zoeller said residents need to be aware of the proper way to dispose of unwanted medicines and not flush them down the toilet or throw them away – which can pose possible safety and health risks.

“Prescription drug abuse continues to be a significant problem. Last year again, more people died from prescription drug abuse than from automobile accidents,” said Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Dennis Wichern, who’s responsible for DEA’s operations in Indiana. “The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day campaign is an important first step in keeping prescription drugs out of the hands of those who may misuse them, as well as helping to raise the public’s awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.”

In the five previous take-back events, DEA in conjunction with state, local and tribal law enforcement partners collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications.

Consumers can find a location by visiting www.dea.gov or by calling 1.800.882.9539. Intravenous solutions, needles and illicit substances like marijuana or methamphetamines will not be accepted.