Manitobans are asked to check their households for unused and expired medications and dispose of them properly and safely at your local pharmacy through the Manitoba Medication Return Program (MMRP). The MMRP is an initiative driven by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the RCMP and municipal police services throughout the province who are working in partnership with Manitoba Society of Pharmacists.
“The RCMP is pleased to support this national initiative. Reducing access to these medications by people who should not be using them is one part of addressing this public health issue,” says Superintendent Len Del Pino, Officer in Charge for Federal Policing for the RCMP in Manitoba. “We are urging people to clean out their medicine cabinets and bathroom drawers; put safety first and take this opportunity to get rid of medications that are no longer being used.”
Easily accessible medications can be tempting to curious children and teens, leading to serious harm if misused or accidentally ingested. Similarly overstocked medicine cabinets can be confusing for seniors. “Manitoba pharmacists care about keeping our patients safe.” said Barret Procyshyn, Vice President, Manitoba Society of Pharmacists “a clutter medicine cabinet can lead to serious health problems. Patients should only have current medications available to ensure only the right medication, in the right dosage is being taken.”
Additionally to potential harm in the household, another concern is that medications are disposed of properly. Throwing them in the trash or down the drain can harm the environment. Bringing you medications back to the pharmacy ensures that they are put into the right hands to dispose of properly and in an environmentally conscious manner.
Of course you don’t have to wait until May 10 to dispose of your medications. The Manitoba Medication Return Program (MMRP) is available at most urban and rural pharmacies all year round. Simply bring your unused or expired medications to your local pharmacy for safe, proper, and confidential disposal.
Types of medications that are accepted:
- prescription pills,
- capsules,
- over the counter medications,
- bottled liquids, patches and inhalers.
Medications in vials, blister packs or even loose medications are all accepted. Sharps, insulin needles or any medications involving needles should be disposed of in sharps containers, which are available at most pharmacies.
For more information on the program and to find the nearest drop off location visit, www.healthsteward.ca/returns/manitoba.
