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Arkansas News: Monitor, Secure, and Dispose
How Patients Should Know What They Are Taking, Secure Their Prescription Medications, and Properly Dispose of Prescription Drugs
Published in the May 2010 Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
On March 12, 2010, the Arkansas Drug Director, Fran Flener, kicked off a collaborative media, education, and law enforcement prevention campaign, Monitor, Secure, and Dispose, to help address the growing problem of prescription drug abuse in Arkansas. Recent findings reported by Partnership for a Drug-Free America indicate that every day more than 2,500 youth, ages 12 to 17, abuse prescription drugs for the first time. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), indicates that more than 2.1 million youth in the same age group reported abusing prescription drugs in 2008 – and among 12- and 13-year-olds, prescription drugs are the drug of choice. DEA reports that prescription drug abuse exceeds the use of heroin, cocaine, and hallucinogens combined.
Unfortunately, Arkansas leads the nation in this escalating threat to the health and welfare of our children. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) 2007 Teens and Prescription Drugs report, Arkansas has the worst teen prescription pain reliever abuse problem in the entire US.
In 2008, the Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment (APNA) reported that 22% of Arkansas high school students have abused prescription drugs by the time they reach their senior year. Additionally, they found that close to 10% of Arkansas high school seniors reported non-medical use of prescription drugs in the past 30 days and also discovered that Arkansas sixth graders abuse prescription drugs more than any other substance except alcohol and cigarettes.
Because most teens are freely provided with or steal these drugs from parents, grandparents, or friends, this campaign is designed to provide key information on how to properly monitor, secure, and dispose of commonly abused and other medicines and to raise awareness of teen prescription drug abuse.
Most pharmacists recognize that prescription drug abuse is growing exponentially. Part of this is due to the assumption that prescription medications are “safe and effective” since they are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, most young people do not think about or realize the risks associated with misuse and abuse. When prescription medications are not used according to precise instructions and with appropriate oversight by medical professionals, the risk of side effects, addiction, and even death are greatly multiplied.
“It’s crucial that we take preventative measures,” said Fran Flener, Arkansas drug director. “We need to treat our medications as we would fine jewelry or a loaded gun. There are so many things parents can do to prevent their kids from having these problems, starting with controlling their own medications. The most important resource a child has in deciding to be drug-free is his or her parents.”
Pharmacists are routinely asked questions regarding the appropriate disposal of medications. The “Monitor, Secure, Dispose” message is a simple way to educate our fellow Arkansans and especially your patients about this growing problem and its dangers, and it is easy for everyone to participate. Following are these key steps for patients.
First, monitor your medications. Take note of how many pills are in each bottle or packet and keep track of your refills.
Second, secure your medications – both prescription and over-the-counter. Keep them in a safe place where youth cannot access them. Lock them away if necessary. Encourage other adults to secure their medications as well.
Third, dispose of unneeded, unused, and outdated medications. Most drugs should be thrown in the trash after mixing the medication with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or dirt. However, FDA recommends some medications be flushed. If you need more information about disposal of medications, please refer to the SMARxT Disposal at www.smarxtdisposal.net or contact FDA at 1-888/INFO-FDA (1-888/463-6332). Additionally, remove any personal, identifiable information from the bottles or packages before throwing them away to prevent unauthorized refills.
It is vital to help people increase awareness regarding what medications they have in their homes, inform them how to secure their medications, and inform them how to appropriately
dispose of their medications when they are no longer needed.
These three steps could help prevent countless problems and potential injuries or death from prescription drug abuse. You can also refer to the Web site, www.ioit2me.com, for information regarding drug abuse that may be beneficial to parents and teens.
