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Real Men Wear Gowns: Disposing of unused medications

HealthPartners Pharmacy Practice Manager talks about the opioid crisis and an option for disposing of unused medications.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — America is currently in an opioid crisis.

In the past fifteen years opioids have killed more than 3,500 Minnesotans. One reason they are so available is that people don’t dispose of unused prescriptions properly.

“We don’t want these opioids out in the community. They can be picked up by somebody who shouldn’t be using them, and they can exacerbate the current situation we have in our country,” says John Sellner, Pharmacy Practice Manager for HealthPartners.

Opioids treat moderate to severe pain and Sellner says they are generally safe for most people, as long as they follow their provider’s instructions. “Any time on opioids can increase your risk of addiction, which is why it is so important to only take it for a minimal amount of time,” he says.

There is no age group that is more or less at risk to become addicted and actually, there are no definitive signs a person has developed a dependency, although there are some things you can watch out for. “Changes in mood, changes in behavior. You want to be on the lookout for patients or family members taking medications improperly or running out sooner than they should,” says Sellner.

If you suspect a friend or family member does have a problem with opioids, create a support system where they are encouraged to speak freely. “A lot of people are aware that they have an issue and that they are struggling and a lot of times just sitting down with them and talking to them is a great way to start,” Sellner says.

If you have unused opioids or any prescription drugs, get rid of them. HealthPartners is making that easy with their drug take-back program.

“It’s really important to encourage our patients, and any patient for that matter, to drop off their unused medications at our pharmacies. You can do it free of charge,” Sellner says.

A list of take-back locations can be found here.

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