4th MDSS to host unused, expired prescription medication take back

  • Published
  • By Capt. Timothy Roche
  • 4th Medical Support Squadron
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  Members of Team Seymour will have the opportunity to give back unused and expired medication for proper disposal at the Base Exchange and Thomas Koritz Clinic Pharmacy lobby, Aug. 23, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As a result of changing health conditions, drug allergies or adverse drug reactions, many individuals end up with partially used prescriptions at home. Therefore, the event's goal is to prevent the misuse and abuse of prescription medication, which can occur when drugs are intentionally taken other than as prescribed.

The Air Force's policy on drug abuse applies to the use of illicit drugs and the wrongful use and distribution of controlled substances that can lead to addiction.

The warning label on your controlled medication prescription reads as follows, "CAUTION: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed."

This act is punishable under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and may result in forfeiture of pay, loss of rank, dishonorable discharge or confinement.

In 2012, the base pharmacy filled roughly 160,000 prescriptions for a beneficiary population of about 35,000.

Although this is the first time members of the 4th Medical Support Squadron are hosting a take back event, more than 70 Air Force facilities have already collected approximately 6,800 pounds of medications since 2011. Plans are being made to host collection events and participate in future national Drug Enforcement Agency events in the future on a quarterly basis.

Having unused or expired prescription medications in the house increases the risk of misuse and abuse. Help safeguard your family's health and your career by disposing of unused prescription medications appropriately.

For more information about the event and proper disposal of medications, contact 4th Medical Group pharmacy technicians at (919) 722-1814/1998, or visit www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/default.htm