For most people, the bathroom cabinet is stocked full of various perfumes, hair sprays, gels, as well as medications, most of which have been collecting dust from lack of use. But unlike hair spray, most medications lose effectiveness, and can even become toxic, if they are used passed the expiration date.
With cold and flu season among us, Banner Health would like to remind people to participate in National Check Your Meds Day on Oct. 21. This event is designed to encourage people across the country to check for expired medications and supplements, dispose of them safely at designated drop-off stations, and ultimately, keep people safe and healthy using effective medications.
“Medications and supplements including over the counter pills, liquids as well as ointments and sprays, should be checked every three months for expiration dates and disposed of appropriately,” said Dena Sheppard-Madden, MD at Banner Health’s Berthoud Clinic. “People think it’s OK to dispose of medications and supplements, especially pills, by throwing them away in the trash or even flushing them down the toilet, but these are both very hazardous ways for disposing of medications.”
This video from Dr. Johar shows the importance of checking your meds and disposing of them safely.
Summit View Pharmacy in Greeley is an official medication drop-off site in Northern Colorado and will be accepting drugs on Saturday, Oct. 21. Please connect with your local pharmacy or police department for ideas to safely dispose of unused or expired medications outside of Check Your Meds Day.
If you are looking at disposal of sharps find this link for details.
Can't make the event (though you should try), Banner Health Summit View location accepts drugs year round: (970) 392-2000
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..; Sunday CLOSED
About Banner Health: Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner – University Medicine, academic and employed physician groups, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services; including Banner Urgent Care, family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com.
