“Safe Disposal of Opioid Medications” Campaign

Evergreen (no expiration date)

Program Description: Removing unused, unwanted or expired opioid medications from the home is a key strategy in addressing the opioid crisis in the United States. The information included in these FDA PSAs (available in English and Spanish) will act as a call to action to encourage consumers to dispose of these potentially dangerous medications when they are no longer needed. Many patients report not finishing the opioids prescribed to them, and half of people who misuse prescription opioids get them from a friend or family member. Consumers should visit www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for a discussion on disposal options for opioids, including a readily available drug take back program or flushing them in the toilet.

Campaign Mission: 

• Educate consumers about the potential danger of keeping unused opioids in the home
• Direct consumers to safe drug disposal information at www.fda.gov/drugdisposal.