FDA’s “Reduce the Risk” Campaign Tackles Opioid Exposure

On April 25^th, the FDA launched its newest campaign against the opioid epidemic, “Reduce the Risk.” 

Targeted at women ages 35 to 64, the campaign emphasizes the important role that Americans have in removing and properly disposing of unused opioid medications they may have in their homes.

This demographic target was chosen because women in this age range are more likely “to oversee household health care decisions and… serve as the gatekeepers to opioids and other prescription medications in the home,” the FDA says. 

The FDA has also made available a diverse toolkit of free-to-use materials, available in both English and Spanish, that can be distributed across social media and webpages, including fact sheets; social media graphics; and website badges for individuals, healthcare providers, and other organizations. 

Related: How Blockchain Can Reduce Waste, Fraud in Pharmacy

To help Americans determine the best method of disposal, the FDA has also updated its webpage, Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know. 

The FDA says that medicine take-back programs are still the preferred way to safely dispose of most types of unneeded medications, including opioids. Authorized locations for take-back programs can be found in retail pharmacies, hospital or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement facilities. Other authorized organizations offer mail-back programs or drop boxes.

National Drug Take-Back Day is April 27, from 10 am to 2 pm.