Flushable Medications
Certain medications pose a risk if they are not disposed of properly, as they could be harmful to others or the environment. To prevent misuse or accidental ingestion, the following medications are considered safe to flush when no longer needed:
Medications Safe to Flush
Medicine | Active Ingredient |
Abstral, tablets (sublingual) | Fentanyl |
Actiq, oral transmucosal lozenge* | Fentanyl Citrate |
Avinza, capsules (extended release) | Morphine Sulfate |
Belbuca, soluble film (buccal) | Buprenorphine Hydrochloride |
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride, tablets (sublingual)* | Buprenorphine Hydrochloride |
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride; Naloxone Hydrochloride, tablets (sublingual)* | Buprenorphine Hydrochloride; Naloxone Hydrochloride |
Butrans, transdermal patch system | Buprenorphine |
Daytrana, transdermal patch system | Methylphenidate |
Demerol, tablets* | Meperidine Hydrochloride |
Demerol, oral solution* | Meperidine Hydrochloride |
Diastat/Diastat AcuDial, rectal gel | Diazepam |
Dilaudid, tablets* | Hydromorphone Hydrochloride |
Dilaudid, oral liquid* | Hydromorphone Hydrochloride |
Dolophine Hydrochloride, tablets* | Methadone Hydrochloride |
Duragesic, patch (extended release)* | Fentanyl |
Embedda, capsules (extended release) | Morphine Sulfate; Naltrexone Hydrochloride |
Exalgo, tablets (extended release) | Hydromorphone Hydrochloride |
Fentora, tablets (buccal) | Fentanyl Citrate |
Hysingla ER, tablets (extended release) | Hydrocodone Bitartrate |
Kadian, capsules (extended release) | Morphine Sulfate |
Methadone Hydrochloride, oral solution* | Methadone Hydrochloride |
Methadose, tablets* | Methadone Hydrochloride |
Morphabond, tablets (extended release) | Morphine Sulfate |
MS Contin, tablets (extended release)* | Morphine Sulfate |
Nucynta ER, tablets (extended release) | Tapentadol |
Onsolis, soluble film (buccal) | Fentanyl Citrate |
Opana, tablets (immediate release) | Oxymorphone Hydrochloride |
Opana ER, tablets (extended release) | Oxymorphone Hydrochloride |
Oxecta, tablets (immediate release) | Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Oxycodone Hydrochloride, capsules | Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Oxycodone Hydrochloride, oral solution | Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Oxycontin, tablets (extended release) | Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Percocet, tablets* | Acetaminophen; Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Percodan, tablets | Aspirin; Oxycodone Hydrochloride |
Suboxone, film (sublingual) | Buprenorphine Hydrochloride; Naloxone Hydrochloride |
Targiniq ER, tablets (extended release) | Oxycodone Hydrochloride; Naloxone Hydrochloride |
Xartemis XR, tablets | Oxycodone Hydrochloride; Acetaminophen |
Xyrem, oral solution | Sodium Oxybate |
Zohydro ER, capsules (extended release) | Hydrocodone Bitartrate |
Zubsolv, tablets (sublingual) | Buprenorphine Hydrochloride; Naloxone Hydrochloride |
*These medicines have generic versions available or are only available in generic formulations.
What to Do if You Have Leftover Medication
If you’re uncertain about flushing your medication or have leftover medication that is not on this list, take it to a safe disposal site. Many communities have designated locations where you can drop off unused medications, including pharmacies or local law enforcement stations. If a disposal site is unavailable, you may follow specific disposal instructions provided on the medication packaging or patient information leaflet.
Why Proper Disposal is Important
Flushing medications when directed is crucial for preventing misuse, especially with drugs like opioids and other controlled substances. These medications, when not disposed of properly, may be diverted for illegal use or accidental ingestion by children or pets. Flushing them ensures that they are safely removed from circulation.
For More Information:
For additional guidelines on safe medication disposal, visit your local pharmacy or consult resources like the FDA’s website for further recommendations on medication disposal.