EcoPharmacovigilance Basics

Ecopharmacovigilance can be defined as science and activities concerning detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or other problems related to the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment.

Some things in your medicine cabinet are more dangerous than others.

When it comes to prescription drugs, opioid pain medicines can be addictive and even deadly.

Keeping unused opioid medicines in your home is risky.

Half of the people who misuse prescription pain medicines get them from a friend or family member. Over 100 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, and millions are addicted to opioids.

But you can be part of the solution to the opioid crisis. Go through your medicine cabinets, drawers – anywhere you keep unused opioid pills, patches, or syrups. And, find out how to dispose of them safely.

The Drugs We Wash Away: Pharmaceuticals, Drinking Water and the Environment