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Expired medications accepted at St. John's pill drop

The Memorial University School of Pharmacy has teamed up with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the RCMP to host a public pill drop.

The public is encouraged to clean out medicine cabinets and drop off any expired or unused medications.

Dr. Barbara Thomas of the school of pharmacy teaches substance abuse to undergraduate pharmacy students. She said prescription drugs can be as lethal as illegal drugs, if used incorrectly.

"The most common classes of prescription medications that are subject to abuse are the opioid analgesics such as oxycodone, the sedative hypnotics such as lorazepam, and the psychostimulants such as methylphenidate," she said.

"Each of these medications can be lethal if taken in an excessive amount, or if taken by someone whose system has not been introduced to the drug in smaller doses," said Thomas. "They could experience respiratory failure in a person who is drug-naïve. That's the worry with medications like methadone being out on the streets."

Educating high school students

Pharmacy student Sydney Saunders, one of the event organizers, agrees that awareness is pivotal.

"Some of our students have been visiting local high schools to educate students about the dangers and risks associated with prescription drug abuse," she said.

"High school students are at a vulnerable age where they have more exposure to and knowledge about prescription medications. Therefore, it is important for us to do our part and make them aware of the risks of taking medications not prescribed for them."

The pill drop is planned for RNC Headquarters at Fort Townshend in St. John's, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.