Caution:These 17 medicines must be flushed, improper disposal of medicines can kill
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 10, 2025: In a major alert that could impact households across India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the country’s top drug regulatory authority, has issued a stark warning regarding 17 commonly used medicines.
According to the CDSCO, these drugs — if expired, unused, or improperly disposed of — can be deadly not just for humans but also for animals and the environment.
The CDSCO has instructed that these medicines should not be stored or discarded in dustbins under any circumstances. Instead, they must be flushed immediately if expired or no longer in use. The reason: even a single dose, if ingested or handled by a child, pet, or unsuspecting person, can result in serious illness — or even death.
Among the listed medicines are Tramadol, Tapentadol, Diazepam, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl — drugs primarily used for pain relief, anxiety, and mental health disorders. When misused, expired, or consumed by the wrong person, they can act as lethal toxins.
Officials have emphasized that these substances also pose a grave risk to the environment. If disposed of carelessly, residues from these medications can contaminate water bodies, endangering aquatic life and even rendering water unsafe for human consumption. Lakes, rivers, and underground water sources are particularly vulnerable.
Another critical concern raised by CDSCO is the potential for theft and misuse. Medicines left unused in homes or medical stores could fall into the hands of drug abusers or illegal traders, potentially fueling drug mafias and illegal networks.
In response, the CDSCO has urged all state governments to implement a ‘Drug Take Back Programme’, under which citizens can return expired or unused medicines to designated collection points for safe disposal.
What you should do:
- Regularly check for expired medicines at home
- Flush listed high-risk medicines immediately if expired
- Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets
- Participate in local drug take-back campaigns
What to avoid:
- Never throw expired medicines in regular trash
- Do not give leftover prescription drugs to others
- Never consume any medicine without medical supervision