Don't save leftover pain pills

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Many people who've been prescribed pain medications are tempted to hang on to any leftovers in case they need them in the future. But this practice can have deadly consequences if children or pets accidentally ingest these drugs. Play it safe by promptly disposing of unused prescription medications at community take-back events or local drop-off spots.

Oct. 31, 2019 See more In-depth

See also

  1. Antibiotic use in agriculture
  2. Antibiotics 101
  3. Antibiotics and alcohol
  4. Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
  5. Antibiotics: Not a magic bullet
  6. Aspirin allergy
  7. Bioidentical hormones: Are they safer?
  8. Disposal of unused pain medications
  9. Grapefruit and meds don't mix
  10. Grapefruit: Beware of dangerous medication interactions
  11. How to use opioids safely
  12. Medication errors
  13. Mild depression: Are antidepressants effective?
  14. NSAIDs: Do they increase my risk of heart attack and stroke?
  15. Opioid use during pregnancy
  16. Exercise and opioids
  17. Opioids and other drugs: What to watch for
  18. Precision medicine
  19. Self-care approaches to treating pain
  20. Tapering off opioids: When and how
  21. Treating pain: When is an opioid the right choice?
  22. What are opioids and why are they dangerous?