Do you no longer need to take a medication prescribed by your family practice doctor in Lake Orion, MI, Dr. Joseph Gorz of Neighborhood Primary Care? You could flush it down the toilet, but is that the safest option? What about unneeded medical equipment? It seems a shame to throw it out. Surely, someone can use it. If you've been wondering what to do about old medications or unused medical equipment, keep reading.

How to dispose of your medications

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can be safely thrown away, including pain relievers, liquid medication, pills, inhalers, and creams.

The U.S. Food and Drug and Administration (FD) recommends mixing the medication with dirt, cat litter, coffee ground, or other foul-tasting substances and sealing it in a container or zippered storage bag.

Controlled medications should not be placed in the trash. These types of medications include opioids (like morphine and fentanyl), stimulants (like Adderall and Ritalin), Benzodiazepines (like Xanax and Valium), and other medications, including some sleeping pills, appetite stimulants, and migraine medications.

These drugs can be dropped off at a drug take-back site. In the Lake Orion area, take-back sites are located at the Woodward Detroit CVS in Orion Township and Meijer in Auburn Hills and Oxford. Some controlled substances can also be flushed if you can't take the drugs to a take-back site. Consult the FDA flush list before you flush a medication.

Where you can donate medical equipment

Many organizations take medical equipment donations, including Operation USA, Medical Bridges, MAP, Partners for World Health, and MedShare. Their websites provide donation instructions.

In our area, World Medical Relief in Southfield accepts medical equipment and medical supplies. You can donate manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, canes, crutches, shower chairs, and unused IV kits, colostomy supplies, syringes, tape, and other supplies. The organization can pick up your donation or you can drop it off at 21725 Melrose Avenue in Southfield.

Local non-profit health organizations may also accept donations or direct you to programs that need donations.

Do you have a question about a medication or need to make an appointment with your Lake Orion, family practice physician, Dr. Joseph Gorz of Neighborhood Primary Care? Call (248) 690-9181 to schedule your visit.