Frequently Asked Questions
What is DisposeRx?
DisposeRx’s patented medication disposal packets contain a blend of solidifying materials that provide a safe solution for the disposal of unused or expired medications. When water and the DisposeRx powder are added to medications in the prescription vial/bottle and shaken, the drugs become chemically and physically sequestered in a viscous gel. The gel is a network of crosslinking polymers (think of a tightly woven fish net) which traps the medication’s active ingredient within its composition rendering the drug unavailable and unusable. Further, the gel is naturally resistant to solvents and tampering.
How do DisposeRx packets help protect patients and the environment?
The DisposeRx solution offers layers of protection that include:
- Layer 1 – the disposal of the drugs in the vial with the tamper resistant cap
- Layer 2 – the viscous gel provides ideal conditions for the breakdown of the active ingredient while remaining in the closed container
- Layer 3 – the crosslinking polymer matrix sequesters the active ingredient (much like a fishnet) while the process of breakdown continues naturally; the crosslinking polymers will tighten around the active ingredient allowing it to continue to break down naturally if the gel is exposed to air and dries.
What is in the DisposeRx powder?
All of the components that make up DisposeRx powder are listed on the FDA’s list of inactive ingredients for approved oral medications.
Oh no! The DisposeRx gel spilled onto my table. How should I clean it up?
If you have a spill, the DisposeRx powder or gel can be simply wiped up with a damp paper towel and tossed into a trash can.
What happens if I swallow the gel?
The DisposeRx gel creates a physical and chemical barrier between the patient and the drug product that is sequestered, thereby reducing both exposure and harm. It is manufactured by patented components that are approved by the FDA for use in drugs as fillers, as well as found in various foods. The gel is non-toxic and non-hazardous. If the gel is swallowed, as with any product not meant for human consumption, we advise you to seek medical attention or call poison control.
What is the maximum number of pills per packet?
As there are many variations in pills, tablet, capsule sizes, as well as larger prescription bottles, we consider the volume size of the container as it relates to the volume of drugs to dispose as the denominator and is a better method for establishing at-home drug disposal.
Viscosity can vary from a thick liquid to a stiff gel without changing the effectiveness of sequestration of the active ingredient within the gel.
What happens if I see a pill and try to dig it out?
When used as directed, DisposeRx will begin to break down the medication formulation (pill, tablet, capsule, etc.) as the active ingredients are dissolved in the cross-linking polymer matrix (the viscous gel). Any non-water soluble filler material may remain intact giving the illusion of a formed pill or portion of a pill.
What else can I do to protect my family when disposing of medications?
For added security, be sure to mark out any personal information on the prescription’s label before tossing it in the trash.
What happens once I discard my vial into the trash?
Over time, the moist environment within the treated vial encourages the degradation of the active ingredient. The gel may dry, in which case the cross-linking polymer network will tighten around the active ingredient(s). DisposeRx is non-toxic and safe for household trash disposal.
Is DisposeRx environmentally safe?
DisposeRx powder is made of inactive ingredients commonly found in oral medications. In the case that the gel is exposed to air and dries, the crosslinking polymer network will actually tighten around the active ingredient as it naturally breaks down. DisposeRx gel will encapsulate the active ingredient(s) and hold on to them during this process, creating little or no threat to the environment.
Can you explain what you mean by "chemically and physically sequestering medications?"
Our technology uses proprietary materials found in oral medications and listed by the FDA as inactive ingredients for approved oral medication. Our cross-linking polymer network functions like a tightly woven fishing net and encapsulates/traps the active ingredients, keeping them bound in our unique gel matrix.
By “chemically sequester” we mean the active ingredient(s) [AI] cannot be extracted in a usable state. If a person was to try and extract any of the active ingredient from the activated gel matrix and is successful (which is unlikely), the drug or active ingredient will not be in a useable form, thus helping to break the chain of illicit use and abuse.
By “physically sequester” we are referring to how our technology begins to break down the drug formulation so that the medication is no longer recognizable or intact. It is unrecognizable as the therapeutic dose for which it was intended.
Can DisposeRx be used for the disposal of chemotherapy drugs?
Do DisposeRx packets expire?
Have a question?
Reducing the risks associated with unused medications in the home is one way of helping to keep family members and friends safe. We are proud to partner with pharmacy and healthcare leaders, as well as community organizations, to help educate about the importance of prompt and proper medication disposal.
Please contact DisposeRx, Inc., if you would like additional information about our product or education initiatives.
