GPhA Applauds Seventh Annual Drug Enforcement Administration Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 26, 2013) — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) strongly supports the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) seventh annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which takes place this year on Saturday, October 26th.

The DEA program involves the cooperation of nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide and collects expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs that can be a potentially dangerous source of diversion if left in the family medicine cabinet.

“The DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day program is an excellent example of options for safe and accessible drug disposal available for patients,” said Ralph G. Neas, President and CEO of GPhA. “While it is critical for every patient to take drugs as directed, it is also important for patients to dispose of unused medicines properly. With thousands of local fire stations, schools, and law enforcement departments participating, National Prescription Take Back Day offers a simple, dependable way for consumers to find a local disposal site and drop off unused medications.”

According to the DEA, Americans participating in the six previous Take-Back Days turned in nearly 2.8 million pounds—almost 1,409 tons—of prescription drugs, most recently at more than 5,800 sites operated by over 4,300 of DEA’s law enforcement partners. Across the country, people can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they can enter their zip code. Or they can call 1-800-882-9539.

For more information and to locate the collection site near you, visit: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/.