Experts estimate 33 percent of prescriptions filled by pharmacists like Maher Ishak of Woodbury Pharmacy go unused. These unused prescriptions increase the risk of accidental poisoning in the home and cause environmental hazards when flushed or thrown away. The program Take Back Your Meds formed to combat this problem.

1. Responsible Disposal of Unused
Prescription Medications
By Maher Ishak

2. Introduction
• Experts estimate 33 percent of prescriptions
filled by pharmacists like Maher Ishak of
Woodbury Pharmacy go unused. These unused
prescriptions increase the risk of accidental
poisoning in the home and cause environmental
hazards when flushed or thrown away. The
program Take Back Your Meds formed to
combat this problem.

3. Q: What Does Take Back Your Meds Do?
• A: By working with pharmacists like Maher
Ishak of Woodbury Pharmacy and local police
forces, Take Back Your Meds makes it easier for
people to safely dispose of unused medicines.
Instead of tossing these pills into the trash or
pouring them into sinks or toilets, people go to
their local police stations or pharmacies to turn
in the medications.

4. Q: Are Medications Really Showing Up
in the Environment?
• A: The United States Geological Survey tested
more than 130 streams and rivers. For every 10
waterways tested, eight tested positive for
prescription medications. These medications
leech into the soil used for farming, water supply
sources, and fish consumed by both adults and
children.