Answers to Common Health Literacy Questions

Premier Physician Network providers answer frequently asked questions about health literacy.

What should I do with expired medication?

Once your medication is expired, it’s important to get rid of the rest of it in a responsible way. 

You can start by looking into any drug take-back programs in your area. Sometimes there are specific drop off days or locations, such as police or fire departments, according to the Food and Drug AdministrationOff Site Icon (FDA).

If that isn’t an option, it’s recommended that you toss the medication in a zip-top bag along with something people won’t want to put in their mouths, such as coffee grounds, kitty litter, or dirt.

Seal the bag and put it with the rest of the trash. 

Talk to your doctor for more ways to properly dispose of expired medications.

Learn more:

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Source: Joseph Allen, MD, Family Medicine of Vandalia; Christopher Aviles, MD, Beavercreek Family Physicians; Michael Dulan, MD, Dulan and Moore Dulan Family Wellness Center; Aleda Johnson, MD, Liberty Family Medicine; Josh Ordway, MD, Franklin Family Practice; Joseph Leithold, MD, Woodcroft Family Practice; Anne Nestor, MD, Trenton Family Medicine; Melinda Ruff, MD, Centerville Family Medicine; Anessa Alappatt, MD, Fairborn Medical Center; Jennifer Romaker, NP-C, Fairfield Road Physician Offices