Drug Disposal Education at Prescription Pick-Up: Begin With the End in Mind

What happens to medications after they leave the pharmacy?

 

In this episode of The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast, Ohio pharmacist Kim Newlove discusses why and how pharmacists should incorporate drug disposal education at prescription pick-up—before medications become a safety risk in the home.

 

Kim shares two practical approaches:

• Passive education, such as signage at the pharmacy counter
• Direct education, through brief counseling conversations

 

Read the FULL show notes on https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast

 

You'll also hear a real-world example of how pharmacists and students can make a long-term community impact by creating and maintaining county-wide drug take-back box lists.

 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "beginning with the end in mind" matters in pharmacy workflow
• What information to include on a drug disposal sign at the pick-up window
• How to counsel patients on drug disposal without adding burden to your day
• Why drug take-back boxes and events are critical for safety, diversion prevention, and environmental protection
• Seven benefits of proper medication storage and disposal
• How pharmacists and student pharmacists can support community-wide prevention efforts

 

This episode is ideal for pharmacists, student pharmacists, preceptors, and pharmacy leaders looking for realistic ways to improve patient education and public health outcomes.

 

Helpful Links & Resources:

• DEA National Drug Take Back Program: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday 
• FDA Flush List: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines
• Wood County, Ohio Drug Take-Back Box List: https://www.wcadamh.org/guides 

 

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Additional content - not mentioned in this episode

At most, there are 6 weekly episodes after episode 361. This is what's coming up: 

1. Ep 362: December 26, drug pronunciation episode 
2. Ep 363: January 2, Faith Community Discussions about Addiction + Justice 
3. Ep 364: January 9, drug pronunciation episode
4. Ep 365: January 16, Moneyball 2.0
5. Ep 366: January 23, 6 Year Podcast Anniversary Show
6. Ep 367: January 30, possible bonus with Vance Brown, RPh

 

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Host Background: Kim Newlove has been an Ohio pharmacist since 2001 (BS Pharm, Chem Minor). Her experience includes hospital, retail, compounding, and behavioral health. She is also an author, voice actor (medical narrator and audiobook narrator), podcast host, and consultant (audio production and podcasting).