CDSCO Issues Guidelines for Safe Disposal of 17 High-Risk Medicines

A guidance document published by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) suggests the safe disposal of 17 particular medications that carry serious risks in the event of misuse.

To avoid accidental ingestion by people or pets, the public is advised to flush these medications down the toilet or sink.

The advice emphasizes that if taken by someone other than the intended patient, some drugs can be lethal after just one dose. The CDSCO has identified a list of medications that should be thrown out right away if they are unused or expired in order to reduce this risk.

• Fentanyl

• Fentanyl Citrate

• Morphine Sulfate

• Buprenorphine

• Buprenorphine Hydrochloride

• Diazepam

• Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

• Methadone Hydrochloride

• Hydrocodone Bitartrate

• Tapentadol

• Oxymorphone Hydrochloride

• Oxycodone

• Oxycodone Hydrochloride

• Sodium Oxybate

• Tramadol

These medications, primarily opioids and anxiety drugs, have a high potential for abuse and can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.

The CDSCO's guidance also addresses the environmental impact of improper drug disposal. Unscientific disposal methods can lead to environmental pollution, with antibiotics seeping into soil and water bodies, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and affecting human health.

To combat this, the CDSCO recommends that state governments, in coordination with local bodies, establish methodologies and facilities for the collection and disposal of unused or expired drugs, adhering to the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The guidance suggests that State Drugs Control Departments and Chemists and Druggists’ Associations initiate 'Drug Take-Back' programs at designated locations. These programs would allow individuals to drop off expired or unused medications, which would then be disposed of by registered agencies under the oversight of the State Drug Licensing Authority.

This initiative aims to minimize environmental impact and mitigate public health risks, including the development of antimicrobial resistance. The guidance document was prepared by a sub-committee appointed by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and recommended by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) for circulation among State and Union Territory Drugs Controllers.These recommendations are detailed in the official CDSCO guidance document on pharmaceutical waste disposal. The initiative was also covered in multiple national health reports, emphasizing the urgency to implement drug take-back programs and enforce biomedical waste rules.

Official Guidelines on disposal of expired/unused drugs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bTyvkMgTY8hlC9zFEazbIDvBG5y8f3dF/view

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)