LITTLE ROCK -- The biannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday.
"It is an important opportunity for Arkansans to clean out old and unused prescription medications because more than half of Arkansas teens report it is easy to obtain prescription drugs from their parents' or grandparents' medicine cabinets. Prescription Drug Take Back is one way to ensure these lethal drugs stay out of the hands of addicted Arkansans," the attorney general's office said in a news release.
"The prescription drug epidemic continues to wreak havoc on our state and country," Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said in the release. "Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs impacts a staggering number of families across Arkansas. It will take all of us working together to make a difference, including properly disposing of medications."
The following is a list of medications that will be accepted at these events across the state: opioids, such as OxyContin, Hydrocodone and Vicodin; Stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Dexedrine; depressants, such as Ativan, Xanax and Valium; other prescription medications; over-the-counter medicines; vitamins; pet medicines; medicated ointments and lotions; inhalers; liquid medicines in glass or leakproof containers, up to 12 ounces; and medicine samples.
Medications may be returned in the original bottle or in any other container for increased privacy.
Prescription drug Take Back locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
"Properly destroying these medications also protects the environment. Medicines that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting waters, which could contaminate food and water supplies. Wastewater treatment plants or septic systems may not remove many medicine compounds. Turning over these medications at Take Back Day events also reduces the risk of accidental poisonings by children, seniors or pets, as well as reduces the risk of drug abuse," the release said.
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, call the attorney general's office at 800-482-8982 or email [email protected], or visit http://www.ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
Society on 04/21/2019