Storage & Handling
Keep Poison Prevention’s information handy and program their number in your phone. 800-222-1222.
Cancer Patients
If you are prescribed an oral chemotherapy, you will receive specific instructions on the safe storage, handling and disposal of the chemotherapy. Most of these medications should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Some may need to be refrigerated or require special storage or handling. It is recommended that you store this medication away from medication used by other family members. Please ask your care team or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use, store or handle the medication prescribed to you in our office.
Learn more at Cancer.Net: Safe Storage and Disposal of Cancer Medications
Disposal
Videos provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration gives additional information about safe disposal on their website.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Agency has a “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day”. You can check their website for dates and collection sites:
Several locations throughout Pima County have safe disposal sites that are open throughout the year. You can check for events and locations on their website.
You can also learn more about the correct way to dispose of medications and needles at the City of Tucson’s website.
Outside of Pima County, you can contact your local law enforcement agency to see if medication disposal is available at their precinct, or ask your local pharmacist if his/her company has a drug take back program.