faq

The program is designed for adults age 65 and older and their caregivers. Our grant from the U.S. EPA is designed specifically to assist older adults and caregivers. We expect to expand the program in the future to all age groups. [Back to Top]

Can my facility or agency use these envelopes?

The envelopes are for individual or family use only, and are not intended for nursing homes, group homes, medical facilities, or other large group returns. [Back to Top]

How much does it cost?

Nothing. There is no charge to the pharmacies distributing the envelopes or the participants returning medicine in the postage-paid envelopes. Funding for this program was provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Aging Initiative.[Back to Top]

Where can I get an envelope?

Envelopes are available only at participating pharmacies in four Maine counties beginning on May 12th, while supplies last. There is a list of pharmacies in the program brochure and on the website. Additional pharmacies statewide will be participating in the second phase of the project starting in late 2008 or early 2009. Back to Top]

Can you send me an envelope?

At this time, envelopes are only available in limited numbers through participating pharmacies. We will be expanding the program in late 2008 or early 2009. You can provide us with your e-mail address by e-mailing info@safemeddisposal.com and project staff will e-mail you a list of pharmacies distributing envelopes in the second phase of the project when that information becomes available.[Back to Top]

Can I use more than one envelope?

Yes, if all your medicine does not fit in one envelope. However, please keep in mind that there are a limited number of envelopes available, so only take what you will use. [Back to Top]

Can I use my own envelope or box?

No. Please only use the special envelopes provided by the program. They have been approved by the US Postal Service for this purpose. [Back to Top]

What should I do with the envelope?

Enclose your unwanted or expired medicine according to the directions in the booklet found in each envelope, then mail the envelope just like any other letter or package. You can mail both liquids and pills in the same envelope as long as you follow the instructions in the booklet provided. If you can’t find your instruction booklet, you can view a copy on the program website or we can send you one by mail. [Back to Top]

What medicine can I dispose of through this program?

This program accepts most kinds of prescription and over the counter medicine. Please do not include more than a total of 4 ounces ( or 120mL) of liquids, creams, and/or gels. [Back to Top]

Is there any medicine that I can’t dispose of through this program?

Yes, some specialized medicine requires the use of a manufacturer disposal program. Check the packaging or contact your pharmacist for more information. Absolutely no syringes, medical devices (such as blood sugar monitors, etc.), needles, broken glass, or sharp objects of any kind can be included. Even if they are wrapped or packaged, they may not be included. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for disposal options for these items. [Back to Top]

Can I return medicine if it not in its original bottle?

Yes. Returning medicine in its original bottle will make it easier for pharmacist to identify it. However, if you cannot return it in its original bottle, you can put in in a small container or zip lock bag before placing it in the envelope. Please write down the name of the medicine, the dose, and the number of pills originally prescribed, if you know it. [Back to Top]

Can I dispose of pet or veterinary medicine?

Yes, if there is room in your envelope after enclosing any prescription medicine you want to dispose of, you may include pet or veterinary medicine. However, we recommend that you contact your local veterinary clinic, animal shelter, humane society, or animal rescue group to see if they are able to use this medicine. [Back to Top]

Can I dispose of over the counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins?

Yes, if there is room in your envelope after enclosing any prescription medicine you want to dispose of, you may include over the counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins. [Back to Top]

Can I dispose of medicated patches?

Yes. If the patches are not already in a wrapper, place them in a zip lock bag before placing them in the envelope. [Back to Top]

Can I dispose of inhalers?

Yes, if there is room in your envelope after enclosing any other prescription medicine you want to dispose of, you may include inhalers. [Back to Top]

How long do I have to return the envelope?

You can return your envelope when you are ready. However, please try to mail your envelope by June 15, 2008, if possible, to ensure your medicine is properly identified and counted and your survey responses are included in the results. [Back to Top]

Will you be collecting information about me when I return my medicine?

Program staff will not be collecting any personal information about you from the medicine bottles that is returned. If you wish, you may mark out personal information from the labels on your medicine bottles. Please do not mark over the name of the medicine or number of pills. We will be collecting information only about the medicine that is returned in general to better understand the amount and kind of medicine that is piling up in Maine medicine cabinets. Information that you provide on the survey will help us to understand this issue. The survey is confidential and you can skip any questions you do not wish to answer. [Back to Top]

Why are the envelopes numbered?

This is a code number for tracking the envelopes. Please call the Program Helpline at 1-866-637-9743 when you mail your envelope and leave only the code number and the date that it was mailed (not your name) on the recording. The program is confidential, and any information about the returned medicine will not be linked to personal information. The code number helps us to know which envelopes to expect and how long they take to get to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency for storage and disposal. [Back to Top]

What if I mailed my envelope but forgot to write down the code number first?

Call the Program Helpline at 1-866-637-9743 and provide the name and town of the pharmacy where the envelope was picked up, the town from which you mailed the envelope, and the date it was mailed. [Back to Top]

Where does the medicine go?

The envelopes are returned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The medicine is then cataloged and safely destroyed. [Back to Top]

Do I need to fill out the survey in order to send in medicine?

You do not need to fill out the survey in order to participate in the program. The survey is optional. We encourage you to consider providing a response to the survey because this research will help us to improve the program and to understand why medicine goes unused in Maine. [Back to Top]

What happens to the surveys?

The confidential surveys are sent to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency along with the medicine where they are then forwarded on to the University of Maine Center on Aging. The Center will conduct an analysis to determine the types of medicine returned and the reasons for the medicine being returned. [Back to Top]

Will I be able to find out the results of this program?

Information about the amount and type of medicine that was returned will be available on the program website in fall 2008: www.SafeMedDisposal.com. [Back to Top]

I am a pharmacist. How can my pharmacy participate in the program?

There may be an opportunity to participate in late 2008 or early 2009. Given the limited amount of funds we have available for this program, we cannot guarantee that your pharmacy will be able to participate in the program. Please call or e-mail and provide us with your name, the name of your pharmacy, and your contact information, and a program staff member will call to talk with you about the program. [Back to Top]

How do you ensure the safety of the program?

The Center on Aging and its partners have worked hard to ensure that the program is safe and secure. We utilize package tracking as well as Postal Service security measures to make sure that the envelopes are safely delivered to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency for destruction. The envelopes are designed to be non-descript and not easily identifiable. Please keep in mind that mail-order drugs travel safely through the mail each and every day. [Back to Top]

For more information please call

1-866-ME-RX-RID (1-866-637-9743)

e-mail: info@safemeddisposal.com

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