Small RFK warns Americans of the danger of prescription drugs in the wrong way
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urges Americans to properly dispose of their prescription drugs. He talked about the issue in a video posted on X, marking the National Prescription Drug The Back Take Day, April 26.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has set up free anonymous drop-off sites across the country where Americans can leave unused prescription drugs behind.
Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), announced at a press conference that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to phase out the use of oil-based synthetic dyes in the country's food supply in Washington, DC (April 22, 2025) in Washington, DC. (Reuters/Elizabeth Franz)
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Kennedy warned that while some people may think the flush prescription along the toilet is a safe alternative to throwing it away and preventing people from accidentally ingesting it, Kennedy warned that it is also dangerous. The HHS chief explained that once rinsed, the drugs entered the water supply system, which could expose anyone who drank the water.
“We don't know exactly what low levels of birth control hormones, antibiotics or chemotherapy agents are in water, but that's not good,” Kennedy said in the video.
Images of the HHS secretary nominated RFK Jr. juxtaposed next to a bottle of medicine made by the drug manufacturer. (Istock/Getty)
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However, some medications can be rinsed safely. According to the FDA's “Rinse List”, there are several opioids that can be safely rinsed, including Vicodin, oxycontin and Percocet. However, the FDA warns that medications that do not appear on the flush list should not flush the toilet.
(Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
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The DEA believes that prescription drugs nationwide take a day, and it’s not just a way for Americans to clear unwanted or unused drugs. Promoting “Reward Day” on its website, the DEA frames it as a way to prevent “the beginning of substance abuse and opioid addiction.”
In its latest return date in October 2024, the DEA collected 629,953 pounds or 314 tons of drugs from 4,644 collection sites.
For those who missed prescription drugs nationwide, there are drug collection sites throughout the year. The FDA provides instructions on how to safely handle medications, as well as needles and syringes.
