Accidental poisonings and abuse of prescription drugs have been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Health care providers, especially those who practice in the home environment, should be aware of the scope of this problem as well as the recommendations for management and disposal of unused prescription drugs that are present in the home. This article reviews the problem of accidental poisonings and prescription drug abuse, and summarizes recommendations provided by various government agencies for appropriate management and disposal of prescription drugs.
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