The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued new rules for safely disposing of expired and unused medicines. It warns that throwing these drugs in household trash can harm the environment and pose health risks. The regulator has asked state drug departments and chemist groups to set up collection points where people can return old medicines.
CDSCO also released a list of 17 high-risk drugs that people should flush down the toilet or sink if they cannot return them. These medicines are dangerous if misused or taken by mistake. Most are strong painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, or medicines used in addiction treatment.
Pharmabiz, reports that most drugs on the list are opioids or banned synthetic opioids used to treat pain, anxiety, and similar conditions.
List of 17 drugs
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl Citrate
- Diazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride
- Morphine Sulfate
- Methadone Hydrochloride
- Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate
- Tapentadol
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
- Sodium Oxybate
- Tramadol
- Methylphenidate
- Meperidine Hydrochloride
Throwing medicines improperly can pollute soil and water. It can also expose children, pets, or waste workers to harm. Some expired drugs may even be sold illegally. Dumping antibiotics can increase drug resistance in the environment. CDSCO’s guidelines aim to reduce these risks by recommending safe disposal methods for different medicines.
Solid and powder medicines can go to landfill if they make up less than 1% of daily municipal waste. Other options include putting drugs in containers filled with cement or mixing them with lime and water to form a solid paste. Liquid medicines, except cancer or radioactive drugs, can be diluted and poured into drains. Radioactive drugs must be buried deep underground.
Manufacturers must take back expired medicines from stores. Hospitals can also dispose of drugs they no longer need. Retail shops can dispose of medicines if they cannot return them to manufacturers. The Biomedical Waste Management Rules allow state and local governments to create systems for collecting and disposing of expired medicines.
The flush list aims to stop misuse of these dangerous drugs. Keeping them at home after expiration can cause serious harm. Health experts say most of these drugs are addictive and easy to abuse. Flushing expired drugs keeps them away from people and animals.
CDSCO’s new rules focus on safer medicine disposal to protect people and the environment.
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016 allow state governments to work with local authorities to set up systems and facilities for collecting and disposing of unused or expired medicines.
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