DEA NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Saturday, April 22, 2023

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Flagler Imaging Center, 101 Health Park Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086

Time to clean out our medicine cabinets! 

Join us and dispose of any unwanted or expired prescriptions and over the counter drugs to one of the following designated drop off locations this 

DEA Drug Take Back Day:  

LOCATIONS: To be determined 

 Q: May we accept the containers that the drugs come in as well as the drugs?  

Yes, you may. No need to separate the drugs from the vials. Plastic and glass are acceptable; however, NO NEEDLES.  

 Q: May we accept pre-loaded syringes?  

Yes, as long as the needle has been removed by the patient. You may accept Epi Pens since the needles are sheathed. 

Q: What advice should we give those who bring syringes with needles that we cannot accept? 

Refer the public to the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/homehealthandconsumer/consumerproducts/sharps/default.htm   

Q: May we accept inhalers? 

 No. We can’t accept inhalers or any aerosol medications because they “pop” or explode at the incineration facility.   

Q: May we accept veterinary drugs?  

Yes. Veterinary drugs are available by Rx and over-the-counter (OTC). ALL Rx and OTC drugs are acceptable. The species of the “consumer” does not matter. 

 Q: My local pharmacist says we have to remove the Rx label from the vials before we can accept them per HIPAA privacy rules? 

No. HIPAA does not apply to you or this situation. This is a voluntary project that is consumer driven. You are under no obligation to remove anything from any label. The consumer should remove or deface the label if they are concerned before placing the vial in the bag. All material in these containers will be incinerated. You may reassure the public that their privacy is being protected. 

 Q: May we accept medications from a nursing home? 

 Yes. Medications dispensed to clients in a nursing home are prescribed to the patient and are not the property of the nursing home, so they may be accepted. 

Q. A local doctor/veterinarian/pharmacy or hospital has outdated drugs they want to drop off. May we accept those as well? 

No. Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals purchase drugs direct from wholesalers and MUST keep records of all drugs they receive and dispense or administer. These entities have a system available to them that allows them to return drugs to the supplier or dispose of them by using a DEA registered company to do that for them. If any doctors, pharmacies and hospitals have any questions please contact the local DEA office for clarification.