The California State Board of Pharmacy recentlyreleased draft rules for  prescription drug take-back programs. The proposed regulations are part of statewide efforts to combat prescription drug misuse by making it easier for patients to safely dispose of old and unwanted drugs.

The California Medical Association (CMA) submitted comments on the proposed rules and congratulated the board for providing needed clarity and guidance to pharmacies that elect to participate in drug take-back programs.

A significant component of the prescription drug abuse and diversion problem stems from misuse of unused drugs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, over 71 percent of prescription pain medications are obtained from family and friends, and 5 percent took the medication from a friend or relative without asking.

CMA believes that increasing opportunities for the public to safely dispose of their unused prescription drugs will help prevent the misuse and diversion associated with these medications.

National Drug Take Back Day is April 30

Saturday, April 30, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On this day, hundreds of locations throughout California will be accepting and properly disposing of unused prescription drugs, including controlled substances.

This one-day event will provide patients with free, anonymous collection of unwanted and expired medicines. During previous Take Back events over the past five years, 5.5 million pounds – more than 2,750 tons – of drugs were collected nationwide.

Physicians can take action by encouraging their patients to participate in Take Back Day. To find a collection site near your practice, click here.

Contact: Samantha Pellon, (916) 551-2887 or spellon@cmadocs.org.