It’s About More Than Taking Out the Trash

Valerie Briggs, MBA

A recent University of Michigan study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that disposing of unwanted medicines in the trash may be a more environmentally-friendly option than disposing of the drugs at a take-back pharmacy. The logic, as explained in various news stories is that take-back programs, like Dispose My Meds, result in a greater emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants due to the travel to the take-back pharmacy and the shipping of the drugs elsewhere for incineration.

NCPA CEO Talks Up Community Pharmacy, Advocacy, and Medication Adherence in Convention Address

By Kevin Schweers

NCPA Executive Vice President and CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA looked back on his first year as CEO and gave independent community pharmacists a preview of some “coming attractions” in his address Monday morning to the 113^th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition.

Pharmacists Can Play A Key Role in the Fight Against Drug Diversion

By John Coster, RPh., Ph.D.

NCPA commends the U. S. Senate for recently adopting a resolution designating October 2011 as “National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month” to raise attention to the problem of prescription medicine abuse, especially by teenagers.

Prescription Drug Disposal Program Gains New Fans Through PARADE Magazine

By Kevin Schweers

PARADE Magazine’s July 4 article featuring NCPA’s prescription drug disposal program has sparked a new wave of interest among patients and pharmacists in the Dispose My Meds initiative.

Rx Drug Disposal Programs a Hit with Community Pharmacies, Patients

By Kevin Schweers

First, 800+ community pharmacies helped launch the “Dispose My Meds” prescription drug disposal program during Earth Week. Now, more local pharmacies are signing up and data is emerging on how much has been collected.

More Pharmacy Talk with the Feds

By Kevin Schweers

Top Democrats and Republicans in Congress and other senior federal officials shared their views on issues affecting pharmacy, during the second day of NCPA’s 2010 National Legislation and Government Affairs Conference.

More Pharmacies Launching Drug Disposal Programs as Earth Day Nears

By Kevin Schweers

Patients are increasingly demanding safe, environmentally friendly ways to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs, while local pharmacies are always looking to do some good and reach new potential customers. That dynamic is leading more local pharmacies to choose to offer patients convenient drug disposal options.

Greener Pharmacies = New Patients

By Kevin Schweers

Prescription drug disposal programs can produce new patients and a positive buzz for community pharmacies, while protecting the environment and reducing drug diversion. Two pharmacists and a pharmacy student advised their colleagues on setting up their own program at NCPA’s 111th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition.