Discard Expired Prescription Medications

When Marines return from the field or from deployment, there is a ritual involved in returning the rifle to the armory. Marines clean their rifles, have their rifle rejected by the armorer, clean the rifle some more, and then return it. The process of discarding an expired medication is less communal, but the consequences of taking that medication after it expires are immense.

The Marine Corps has an aggressive urinalysis testing program, and Marines who test positive without a valid prescription are processed for separation. What Marines might not know is this includes those who take an expired prescription medication to treat an ongoing condition.  

For example, a Marine with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who is prescribed medication may be advised to take it as needed, meaning there may be pills left over after the expiration date. That Marine cannot take those expired pills and must receive a refill to comply with policy regarding authorized prescription drug use.  

Proper disposal of prescription medication can not only save a military career but can also help save a life.  

Overdose is the leading method for suicide attempts in the Marine Corps. Putting distance between a lethal means and the ideation can be the difference between life and death. Consult with the medical officer on where to properly dispose of unused or expired medications.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in April and October each year where community partners collaborate to offer medication collection sites, which can be found at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday. 

Year-round collection sites can be found at Every Day is Take Back Day. For more information or support, contact your local Substance Assessment and Counseling Center or visit www.usmc-mccs.org/substance.