CDSCO has released a list of 17 such medicines which should be flushed directly in the toilet and not in the dustbin when they are expired or unusable. These medicines include drugs like tramadol, fentanyl, which can be fatal in the wrong hands. The drug regulator has appealed to the states to open 'drug take back' centers so that medicines can be disposed of safely.

Medicines are important for our health, but if not disposed of properly, they can be dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. India's top drug regulatory body CDSCO (Central Drug Standard Control Organization) has now released a list of 17 medicines that, if not used or expired, should be flushed directly into the toilet and not thrown into the

According to CDSCO, these drugs are like tramadol, tapentadol, diazepam, oxycodone and fentanyl, which if in the wrong hands can prove fatal even with a single dose. These drugs are usually used in diseases related to pain, stress or anxiety. Their consumption by someone else can be extremely dangerous.

Throwing expired medicines in a dumping ground or garbage dumping is a wrong way to dispose

of them. This can not only contaminate water and land, but children or animals can also consume them by mistake. If the garbage site is not safe, these medicines can be picked up by junk dealers or thieves and sold in the market again, which can increase the misuse of medicines in society.

Definition of expired and unused medicines

CDSCO has clarified that an 'expired medicine' is one whose expiry date has passed. On the other hand, an 'unused medicine' is one that the patient did not use for some reason and that medicine remained in the house. Such medicines lose their effect over time and sometimes their side effects can also change, creating new dangers.

There should be a system of depositing medicines at the state level

In the guideline, the drug control department of the states and the drug sellers' association have been appealed to jointly start a 'drug take back' program. Under this, such centers should be made in cities, where people can easily deposit expired or leftover medicines kept in their homes.

Guidelines made under the law

This guide document has been prepared in accordance with the Drugs and Documents Act and other legal provisions to ensure safe disposal of medicines. This will not only protect the environment but will also prevent major public health threats like antimicrobial resistance.

Participation of common people is necessary

CDSCO has said that only with the participation of pharmaceutical companies, retailers and the general public can there be improvement in this direction. People should not keep expired medicines at home or throw them in the dustbin. Medicines which have been advised to be flushed should be destroyed as per instructions.

 PC:AmarUjala