Press Releases
10/27/2023
DCP Recognizes Drug Take Back Day; Reminds the Public Naloxone is Now Available Over-The-Counter at Participating Pharmacies
Naloxone can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose
HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection is reminding the public to participate in Drug Take Back Day, October 28, by disposing of unused medication at a dropbox or at home, ensuring medication is stored properly, and keeping naloxone on hand in case of an emergency. These simple steps can help combat the opioid crisis.
“There isn’t one solution to ending opioid overdoses in our state, but there are many things we can do to curb the epidemic. That includes properly disposing of unneeded medication, and keeping naloxone on hand in case of an emergency,” said DCP Deputy Commissioner Shirley Skyers-Thomas. “Increasing access by making this life saving drug available to purchase without a prescription will undoubtedly help many people.”
“Each year we lose more than 1,000 people in Connecticut alone to the opioid epidemic. It’s going to take every single one of us, at every level of government in every community to combat this public health catastrophe. There are steps we all can take. Do not keep unused and unneeded prescription drugs at home. Consider keeping naloxone available in case of emergency. Together, we can reduce risk and save lives,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Substance use issues, including misuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, affect hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every community across the state. National Take Back Day has been an essential part of prevention strategy for the last decade, as it has helped families easily rid their homes of old, unwanted, or expired medications,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “Collection sites and other safe disposal tools are instrumental in helping to safely collect and dispose of this medication before it falls into the wrong hands.”
Families in Connecticut can participate in Drug Take Back Day by visiting one of the 116 drop boxes in the State of Connecticut or a take back event hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 2022, Connecticut residents disposed of more than 55,000 pounds of unwanted medications in DCP drop boxes, which are available at many law enforcement locations and some pharmacies. You can locate a drug drop box by visiting www.ct.gov/dropbox.
If you are unable to visit a dropbox, you may also safely dispose of unused medication at home. Dispose of drugs in your trash by taking these steps:
- Keep the medication in its original container. Use a marker to cross out or duct tape to cover your personal information, or remove the label.
- Make the medication unusable. Mix your drugs (liquid or pills) with something unappealing like soapy water, used coffee grounds, salt, or kitty litter.
- Seal it. Put the mixture in a container, like an empty yogurt cup, so the contents cannot be seen. Tape it shut.
- Throw out the sealed container in your regular trash. Do not put the container in your recycling bin.
- Do not flush unused medication. Flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams, and have an unwanted environmental impact.
Be sure to properly store any medication in your home:
- Keep medications in their original container. Never mix or combine different medications into one bottle.
- Don’t store medications in areas that are hot and humid, such as the bathroom medicine cabinet.
- If a medication needs to be stored in the refrigerator, be careful not to store it in the freezer or expose it to a lot of moisture.
Earlier this year, the federal Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, and ReVive, 3 milligram naloxone hydrochloric nasal spray, for over-the-counter (OTC) use. Consumers can now purchase Narcan and soon, ReVive, two forms of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, over-the-counter at participating pharmacies.
While Narcan became available for sale over-the-counter this month, DCP encourages licensed pharmacists to continue prescribing naloxone for patients when appropriate. A list of pharmacies with a pharmacist certified to prescribe naloxone is available at ct.gov/DCP. This includes when filling prescriptions for:
- Medications within the opioid class of drugs
- Patients with a history of opioid use disorder
- Family members and friends of individuals with a history of opioid use disorder
- Upon request by a patient
Some insurance providers, including Medicaid, may continue to cover Narcan, so pharmacists should continue to submit claims when dispensing naloxone prescribed by a pharmacist or other authorized prescriber. Patients whose insurance providers do not cover Narcan should contact their insurance provider for more information.
- Learn About Overdose Response: The state’s Naloxone and Overdose Response App (NORA) teaches you how to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to respond, and how to give naloxone. Visit NORA at www.norasaves.com.
- Get Information About Living With Opioid Use Disorder: Visit www.liveLOUD.org to learn about opioids, opioid use disorder, and what treatments are available here in Connecticut. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioids, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help. You can also call the Access Line at 1-800-563-4086 any time, day or night, to be connected to addiction treatment and services.
Visit our website to learn more about how to safely dispose of unneeded medication. Anyone who has questions about drug disposal, naloxone availability, or would like to host a drug take back event at any time of year, can contact DCP’s Drug Control Division at dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov.
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Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Krasselt
kaitlyn.krasselt@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 377-0246 (cell)