Effort Helps Iowans Dispose of Unwanted Medication

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Nov 8, 2009 at 9:49 AM CST

Story Updated: Nov 8, 2009 at 9:49 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - A program is beginning this month to help Iowans safely dispose of unwanted medication. More than 300 pharmacies across the state are taking part in the IowaTakeAway program. Lawmakers approved the program earlier this year, and it is being administered by the Iowa Pharmacy Association and Houston-based Sharps Compliance Corp.

The program will let people bring unwanted and expired over-the-counter and prescription medications to the pharmacies, where the drugs will be placed in tamper-resistant containers and sent to Texas for disposal.

The goal is to prevent potential abuse by removing unwanted
medication from homes and to avoid disposal methods such as
flushing drugs down the toilet, which can threaten groundwater.

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