CVS/pharmacy Takes Action to Protect Environment in Rhode Island; Will Collect Unused Medications at Store Events in April

WOONSOCKET, R.I. March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS/pharmacy announced today that it will collect expired or unused medications from the public at two collection events in Rhode Island to be held at stores in the town of Coventry and the city of Cranston in April.  

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As the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day approaches on April 22, 2010, CVS/pharmacy will help consumers properly dispose of their unwanted medication and prevent these drugs from potentially contaminating the environment.

The collection events will be held on:

• Saturday, April 3, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM:  CVS/pharmacy in Coventry, 2250 New London Turnpike (at Centre of New England)
• Saturday, April 10, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM:  CVS/pharmacy in Cranston, 681 Reservoir Avenue  

Members of the public are invited to bring their expired or unused medication, both prescription or over-the-counter, to either CVS/pharmacy collection event, which will be held in the parking lot of each location.  CVS pharmacists will staff an on-site Mobile Pharmacy Unit to identify and catalogue the returned drugs.

"The spring season is the perfect time for consumers to clean out their medicine cabinets to dispose of medications that have expired or are otherwise no longer being used," said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS/pharmacy.  "By bringing these unwanted drugs to a CVS collection event in April, consumers will be helping to protect the environment.  All medications collected at these events will be properly disposed of and destroyed."

CVS/pharmacy's medication collection events will be conducted with the support of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the Rhode Island State Board of Pharmacy, and the Coventry and Cranston Police Departments.  Local police departments will be present at both collection events to take possession of any controlled substances that are brought for disposal.  

CVS/pharmacy recommends the following tips to consumers regarding the safe storage of their medication and when it is the proper time to discontinue use:

• Expired medications may lose effectiveness and should not be taken after the expiration date.
• When a drug goes untouched, the ingredients may decompose or evaporate, making the drug less effective.  Some medications can also become rancid.
• It is important that medication is stored properly to protect its effectiveness.
  • Heat, light and moisture can cause active ingredients to rapidly decompose, making a drug less effective. 
  • Do not store medications where they can be exposed to extreme temperatures, excessive light, or moisture.  Avoid locations such as the bathroom, above the stove or on a windowsill.
  • Most medications should be stored at room temperature, up to 75-85°F.
  • Do not store medication in the refrigerator, unless the pharmacist, label, or package insert advises refrigeration after opening.
  • In order to protect children, keep medication and vitamins out of reach and in a locked cabinet.
• Being organized can help ensure medication compliance.
  • Overall, 30 to 50 percent of all people with chronic diseases fail to take their medications as prescribed.
  • Keeping a pill organizer in your medicine cabinet can be an easy way to keep track of your medication, especially if you are taking multiple medications daily.
  • Incorporating your medications into your daily routine can make it easier to remember to take them.
  • A Personal Medication Inventory tool, available for download on www.CVS.com, can be used to help keep track of the time and date you take each medicine.  It allows you to keep track of your medication, dosage, when and how often you should take your medication.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's largest retail pharmacy with more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://info.cvscaremark.com.

CONTACT:

Mike DeAngelis, CVS/pharmacy, 401.770.2645, [email protected]

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy