Question About How To Dispose Of Leftover Enoxaparin Syringes
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses options for disposing of unused enoxaparin syringes.
My husband was provided with a large quantity of Enoxaparin Sodium injections upon discharge from the hospital just prior to his death. I have many boxes of them, 60 mg single-dose syringes. How can I dispose of or give them away safely?
Apr 11, 2024- You can take unused enoxaparin syringes to a drug drop-off event in your community or to a pharmacy or hospital that accepts sharps containers for disposal. If your state has a Prescription Drug Repository Program, you may be able to donate the unused medication to help others in need.
Answer
First and foremost, I am sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Please accept my condolences during what I'm sure is a very challenging time.
In regard to what to do with the large quantity of enoxaparin (generic Lovenox) syringes, you have a couple of options:
- Take them to a drug drop-off event
- Use a sharps container and dispose of them
- Consider donating to a medication donation program if available
Drug Drop-Off
Many communities host drug take-back events where you can safely dispose of unused medications. The DEA has a section of their website where you can search for local events (Take Back Day (dea.gov)).
Additionally, some communities have drop-off/disposal locations on a permanent basis. I recommend checking with your local pharmacy, hospital, or government website for information specific to your area.
Throw Away
Even though enoxaparin has needles, these can still often be disposed of safely on your own (depending on your local laws).
Since the injections come in syringes, it's important to dispose of them safely to prevent accidental needle sticks.
You can place the syringes in a sharps container or a sturdy, puncture-proof container like a laundry detergent bottle. Once full, seal the container and follow your local guidelines for disposing of sharps waste.
In some areas, they can simply be thrown away in your garbage, while in others, they need to go to specific disposal locations. Some pharmacies and hospitals may also accept sharps containers for disposal. Again, check your local laws about disposing of 'sharps'.
Consider Donation
Some states have Prescription Drug Repository Programs that accept donations of unused medications for redistribution to individuals in need.
I recommend checking the State Prescription Drug Repository Program website to see if there are programs in your state (State Prescription Drug Repository Programs (ncsl.org)).
Additionally, there is an organization known as SIRUM (Supporting Initiatives to Redistribute Unused Medicine) which specializes in assisting with drug donations and national drug donation laws. Your drug may be eligible for donation so I highly recommend checking out their website as well (About Us - SIRUM - Saving Medicine : Saving Lives).
Not all drugs can be donated, but it is worth looking into.
Final Words
I hope you found this answer helpful. Thanks for reaching out!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Enoxaparin
- A blood-thinning medication injected under the skin to prevent blood clots.
- Sharps container
- A special puncture-resistant container designed to safely hold used needles and syringes.
- DEA
- The Drug Enforcement Administration, a government agency that helps organize medication take-back events.
- Needle sticks
- Accidental puncture wounds caused by touching or stepping on a needle.
- Puncture-proof container
- A sturdy container that cannot be pierced by needles or sharp objects.
- Sharps waste
- Medical trash that includes needles, syringes, and other sharp or potentially infectious materials.
- Prescription Drug Repository Programs
- State programs that collect unused medications and redistribute them to people who cannot afford them.
- SIRUM
- An organization that helps people donate unused medications to those in need while following legal requirements.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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