UPMC and Pitt School of Pharmacy Host Drug Take-Back Day

By: Stephanie Stanley

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UPDATE ON OCT. 24: This year’s events at 14 UPMC facilities and the University of Pittsburgh’s Nordenberg Pharmacy collected nearly 1,200 pounds of unwanted medications, eliminating their potential for abuse or improper disposal.

Abusive use of prescription pain killers and over-the-counter drugs has been on the rise in recent years. Consumption of unused or expired drugs could have negative consequences for people who take them, and improper disposal can be harmful for the environment. Drug Take-Back Days are critical in preventing drug overdose, illicit drug use and water contamination.

UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy have once again partnered with local security forces and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to host Drug Take-Back Day. Members of the general public are invited to anonymously turn in their unused or expired drugs for proper disposal on Friday. The events are free, and those who dispose of their drugs are encouraged to conceal their personal information on prescription medication vials.

Except where noted below, all locations are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, and all medications must be in their original containers.