Free "deactivation pouches" promote safe disposal of painkillers

Oct. 21--For many people struggling with addiction to painkillers or heroin, it began with the misuse of prescription pills. A simple biodegradable pouch aims to prevent that.

The pouch allows for the safe disposal of medications in the trash and keeps pills from ending up in the wrong hands.

Mallinckrodt, a drug maker with its U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, has purchased 1 million pouches to make available for free across the country, including 50,000 in the St. Louis area. "We share the concerns of people across the nation," said Mallinckrodt President Mark Trudeau, "and believe that providing patients with a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused medications is critical in this fight against prescription drug misuse."

Nearly 80 percent of heroin users report using prescription painkillers prior to starting heroin, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A study of young, urban heroin addicts showed an even higher number -- 86 percent -- first misused opioid pain relievers; and that they got the pills from family, friends or their personal prescriptions.

The pouches deactivate the medications and render the chemical compounds safe for landfills. After placing pills in the pouch and filling it with tap water, it can be sealed and disposed of. Each can hold up to 45 pills, so the pouches potentially could remove more than 2 million leftover prescription medications from homes in the St. Louis region.

Mallinckrodt announced the donation Thursday, using the opportunity to also raise awareness about the annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. People are encouraged to drop off unused medications at various locations across the St. Louis region. Most police stations participate, and also serve as permanent drop-off locations. A list of locations can be found at medDisposal.org.

Amy Tiemeier, director of community partnerships at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, said the pouches are helpful for those who can't easily get to a drop-off location.

"These bags are really great for members of the community so they have something quick and free and easy to use to get rid of unwanted medications, especially opioid medications," Tiemeier said.

The college and NCADA drug prevention agency are helping distribute the pouches through hospitals, clinics, senior living facilities, dentists, law enforcement agencies and even movie theaters.

Michele Munz --314-340-8263

@michelemunz on Twitter

mmunz@post-dispatch.com

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