Most of us have a typical behavior of discarding expired medicines within the dustbin. Nevertheless, in accordance with the Central Medication Normal Management Organisation’s (CDSCO) newest advisory, flushing sure expired or unused medication down the bathroom must be the norm, slightly than throwing them within the dustbin. Based on CDSCO, improper disposal of expired, unused medication could also be hazardous to public well being, animal well being, and the atmosphere. It has additionally been famous as one of many key components contributing to the expansion of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), as acknowledged in a notification dated Might 26, 2025.
In the identical notification, it listed a “small variety of medicines” that could be particularly dangerous and, in some circumstances, deadly if utilized by somebody aside from the individual for whom the medication was prescribed. “Expired, undesirable, or unused medicines must be flushed down the sink or rest room to assist stop hazard to individuals and pets within the dwelling.”
The 17 medication, which when unused or expired, must be flushed (Photograph: CDSCO)
Notably, an expired drug refers to a drug which had crossed the expiry date talked about on the label. Additional, unused medication check with the drugs that haven’t been utilized by the particular person for whom they had been prescribed or bought.
The drug regulator famous that expired medication might come into contact with scavengers and kids if a landfill is insecure. “Pilfering from a stockpile of waste medication or throughout sorting might lead to expired medication being diverted to the marketplace for resale and misuse. Most prescribed drugs previous their expiry date turn out to be much less efficacious, and some might develop a unique opposed drug response profile.”
What are the dangers if these medicines are thrown away or saved carelessly?
To achieve a deeper understanding, we consulted an skilled.
Dr Amit Saraf, director of inner medication at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, known as improper disposal “an actual hazard.” “Some painkillers, nervousness drugs, or sedatives can result in overdose or poisoning if somebody takes them by mistake. Over time, improper disposal provides to antimicrobial resistance and environmental air pollution. Preserving expired medication at dwelling additionally will increase the danger of self-medication or misuse,” stated Dr Saraf.
Agreeing with CDSCO’s stance, Dr Saraf stated that flushing sure high-risk medicines, like opioids and sedatives, prevents unintentional consumption or misuse. “If they’re thrown within the family trash, kids, pets, or waste staff may discover them. A few of these medication could be lethal even in a single dose if taken by somebody who shouldn’t,” stated Dr Saraf.
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Are you correctly disposing medicines? (Photograph: Freepik)
What’s the objective of this transfer?
The CDSCO goals to minimise hurt to individuals, animals, and the atmosphere. If these medicines are thrown away improperly, they’ll find yourself in landfills, contaminating soil and water. “Some might also be misused in the event that they get into the incorrect arms. The steerage on flushing applies to an inventory of 17 high-risk medication which might be harmful with out medical supervision,” asserted Dr Saraf.
What do docs take into consideration this advisory?
Medical doctors usually help the transfer, particularly these in public well being and pharmacology. “Secure disposal is a part of accountable prescribing. We regularly instruct sufferers on methods to take medicines, however we seldom clarify methods to dispose of them. This motion raises consciousness amongst healthcare suppliers and sufferers concerning the life cycle of medicines, even after they’re not used,” stated Dr Saraf.
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You will need to recognise that not all expired medicines must be flushed. The CDSCO has particularly recognized 17 high-risk drugs, together with opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone, and psychotropic medication like tramadol and methylphenidate, that must be flushed down the bathroom or sink. “For different varieties of drugs, a safer technique includes mixing them with undesirable substances comparable to used tea leaves or espresso grounds and sealing them in a container earlier than disposing of them within the trash,” stated Dr Narander Singla, lead marketing consultant, inner medication, CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi.
Whereas environmental considerations round flushing do exist, with regards to sure extremely potent medication, stopping human hurt takes precedence over minimal water contamination dangers, added Dr Singla.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.