What is the safest disposal recommendation for expired fentanyl patches?

Flushing expired fentanyl patches down the toilet is not considered the safest disposal method. While some medications can be safely discarded in this manner, fentanyl patches are particularly potent opioids that pose significant risks of accidental exposure, overdose, and environmental contamination.

The safest disposal recommendation for expired fentanyl patches is to wait for a drug take-back program. These programs are designed to allow individuals to return medication safely to designated collection sites, where it can be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Drug take-back programs help prevent misuse and limit the potential for accidental exposure to potent medications, particularly in households with children or pets.

Mixing the patches with coffee grounds and throwing them in the trash is often recommended for other medications but does not provide the same level of safety as a dedicated take-back program for high-risk substances such as fentanyl. Storing them in a locked cabinet, while it may prevent unauthorized access during the time the patches are still valid, does nothing to mitigate the risks associated with expired medications. Thus, it is critical to utilize drug take-back programs for the proper disposal of expired fentanyl patches.