At least 70% of surgery patients who are prescribed opioids for pain relief keep their leftover medication to use it later. As abuse of opioids grows, safely storing these drugs in your home — so that children don’t have access to them — and getting rid of them when you’re done is key.
Storing opioids safely
You can store your opioids safely if you keep the following in mind:
- Store medicine out of reach of all children — toddlers through teens — in a locked cabinet or lockbox.
- Keep medicine in its original package.
- Keep track of how much medicine you have taken and how much is left.
- If you think someone took your opioid medicine, report it to police.
Getting rid of your opioids
If you are done taking an opioid, don’t keep any leftovers to use in the future. Both pill and patch opioids often come with disposal instructions.
A good way to get rid of unused medicine is through a “take-back” event. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and local police host take-back events in many cities nationwide. You can also visit the DEA’s collection site locator page to find a take-back location. Many larger pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens offer take-back services and/or special disposal bags.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates you can also dispose of drugs yourself by flushing them down the toilet if they are on the FDA flush list. If they are not on the FDA flush list, follow these steps:
- Remove medicine from the original container and place medicine in another container, such as a plastic bag.
- Add water to medicine and mix with dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter.
- Seal the bag and place it in the trash.
- Remove personal information (your name, address, etc.) from the original container and dispose of container.
- The FDA recommends flushing opioid patches after folding the sticky sides together.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
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Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians. “Safe Opioid Use and Disposal.” May 2025. Retrieved from https://familydoctor.org/safe-use-storage-and-disposal-of-opioid-drugs/
CVS. “Who's taking your pills?” July 2025. Retrieved from https://www.cvs.com/content/safer-communities-locate#
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” March 31, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/2025-national-take-back-day
Mayo Clinic. “The role of healthcare professionals in opioid addiction prevention.” January 17, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/trauma/news/the-role-of-healthcare-professionals-in-opioid-addiction-prevention/mac-205613212
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Accidental Exposures to Fentanyl Patches Continue to Be Deadly to Children.” September 4, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/accidental-exposures-fentanyl-patches-continue-be-deadly-children
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know.” October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know
Walgreens. “Medication Disposal Locations.” July 2025. Retrieved from https://www.walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp?RxDisposal=true
