News | Drug Deactivation + Disposal

Drug diversion occurs when prescription drugs are distributed or used in ways other than those intended by the prescriber. Unfortunately, drug diversion can happen in any hospital and put patients and staff at risk. If you’re a part of a hospital or clinic’s leadership, you are most likely also aware of the potential for severe financial and legal ramifications from drug diversion. Preventing drug diversion can be quite challenging, but there are steps hospitals can take to stop this problem from occurring.

Regardless of the format of the controlled substance, the same rules and regulations apply when it comes to compliant waste disposal. Beyond strict compliance, destroying unused controlled substances is an effective method in reducing and preventing drug diversion in a pharmacy or medical facility.

When it comes to safe and compliant drug disposal, it’s important to know the laws and regulations for containment and safe disposal of pharmaceuticals.

What are the dangers and consequences of improper pharmaceutical disposal? Despite advancements in regulations and guidelines for the development of effective, safe, and compliant drug disposal processes, the dangers of non-compliance – and its consequences – still exist.

Drug diversion is a serious issue in hospital environments throughout the U.S. and in other countries around the world. The issue not only affects healthcare professionals involved in drug diversion activities, but puts patients at risk as well. Identifying and preventing drug diversion is filled with challenges.

Reducing the risk of drug diversion in your facility requires not just knowledge of the problem, but the right tools and procedures that contribute to a safer drug disposal program in your facility.

Expired or unwanted pharmaceutical drugs and unused prescription opioids must be rendered harmless before disposal in order to prevent potential theft or misuse of a drug through inadvertent exposure to children or others. Such practice can also reduce incidents of drug diversion, as well as to prevent those drugs from entering into and damaging groundwater or soil. When it comes to drug denaturing and planning non-retrievable strategies to protect people and the environment, definitions are important.

Knowing which drugs need to be disposed of in hazardous waste containers is vital. Compliance with federal and state regulations reduces the potential for fines and penalties while at the same time increasing safety. Proper management, protocols, and in-house processes for any facility that handles or receives hazardous drugs also protects human health and the environment.