Opioid Safekeeping and Disposal
You have been prescribed an opioid medication for pain relief after your surgery. Follow the instructions below for how to safely take, store and dispose of this medication.
Safe Use
- Take your opioid prescription exactly as prescribed. Use it only while you have pain after surgery (post-op pain).
- Do not take more than prescribed. Contact your provider if you are not getting enough pain relief.
- Use non-opioid pain management medications and other ways to relieve pain (whenever possible).
- Do not share your opioid prescription with others.
- Do not combine your opioid medication with alcohol or drugs not prescribed.
Safe Storage
- Store opioids out of reach others, especially children and pets.
- It is best to store opioids in a locked box or cabinet away from other medications.
Safe Disposal
If you have any unused or expired opioids, safe disposal methods include:
- Take-Back Programs
- This is the best way to safely dispose these medications.
- Dispose of opioids through a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Take-Back collection site or event.
- To find a DEA authorized drug disposal location near you, you can call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 or visit the following website:
https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1
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- You can also go to Google Maps on your mobile device or computer to search for a local drug disposal site near you. In Google Maps, search “drug disposal near me” or “medication disposal near me.”
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “Flush” List
©2022 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.