HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Advocates Safe Prescription disposal

Washington,D.C. — April 26, 2025 —

Amidst National Prescription Drug Take back Day, which falls on April 26th, Health and Human services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is calling on citizens to be cautious about the safe prescription disposal of medications. The DEA is supporting this mission through various drop-off sites. Kennedy warns about the environmental risks of flushing medications and what substances are safe to flush, highlighting the importance of responsible disposal. To learn more,here are some disposal tips.

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HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Advocates for Safe Prescription Disposal

Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is urging Americans to take precautions when disposing of unused prescription medications. His message, delivered in a video posted on X, coincides with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, observed annually on April 26.

DEA’s Take Back Initiative

The Drug Enforcement Governance (DEA) is actively facilitating the safe disposal of medications through a network of drop-off sites. These sites offer a free and anonymous way for individuals to dispose of their unused prescription drugs.

The Perils of Flushing

while flushing medications down the toilet might seem like a convenient solution, Secretary Kennedy warns against this practise. we don’t fully know the effects of low levels of birth control hormones or antibiotics or chemotherapy agents and so on, in the water, but it’s not good, Kennedy stated in the video. The HHS chief explained that flushing introduces these substances into the water system, potentially exposing others to their effects. [[2]]

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Did you know? Improper disposal of medications can lead to environmental contamination and potential health risks for humans and wildlife.

The FDA’s “Flush List”: A Word of Caution

It’s important to note that not all medications are unsafe to flush. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a “flush List” that identifies certain medications, primarily opioids like Vicodin, oxycontin, and Percocet, that are considered safe to flush.Tho, the FDA emphasizes that medications not included on this list shoudl not be flushed.

DEA’s Broader Mission

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is more than just an opportunity to declutter medicine cabinets. The DEA views it as a critical tool in preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. [[2]]

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Pro tip: Check with your local pharmacy or waste management services for additional medication disposal options in your area.

Take back Day success

During the most recent Take Back Day in October 2024,the DEA collected an notable 629,953 pounds (314 tons) of medication across 4,644 collection sites.

Year-Round Disposal Options

For those who miss National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, drug take-back sites are available year-round. The FDA provides detailed instructions on the safe disposal of medications, and also needles and syringes.

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Reader Question: What are the long-term consequences of pharmaceutical contamination in our water supply?

FAQ: Safe Medication Disposal

Why is proper disposal important? To prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, and environmental contamination. Where can I find a take-back location? Check the DEA’s website or contact your local pharmacy.
What if I can’t get to a take-back site? Follow FDA guidelines for safe disposal at home, which may include mixing medications with undesirable substances and sealing them in a container before throwing them away.
Are there medications I can flush? Consult the FDA’s “Flush List” for specific medications deemed safe for flushing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Broader Role as HHS Secretary

Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS Secretary followed a narrow Senate vote [[1]]. Merith Basey, Executive Director of Patients for Affordable Drugs (P4AD), emphasized the importance of kennedy addressing drug pricing issues, stating that he has a critical opportunity – and duty – to build on existing measures to rein in Big Pharma’s price-gouging and lower drug. [[1]]

Some analysts believe that Kennedy’s appointment could lead to important changes in the pharmaceutical industry, with one suggesting that a potential ban on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising could be the biggest threat to pharma. [[3]]