Do You Need To Keep Prescription Labels?

Every prescription that a pharmacy may fill, believe it or not, contains a wealth of personal information that entices those looking to steal your identity. Because your name, doctor’s name, and other information are frequently all that is required, it is critical not to just toss your empty prescription bottles in the trash. 

Labels for prescriptions

Prescription medication bottles must be discarded properly. To begin, any remaining pills should be taken to a safe collection site. The second step is equally important when it comes to prescription bottles. You will need to remove the label containing your name, the drug’s name, and the pharmacy’s contact information. 

Medical Organizations

For any medical organization that is subject to HIPAA regulations, the problem is dealing with information printed on pill bottles, accompanying handouts, and also the drugs themselves. The bottles and any labels, as a source of personal information, must be destroyed in the proper manner. Furthermore, each state has its own set of rules for destroying any drugs it may contain.

Unused Medications

Community members can bring unused or expired medications to pharmacies for safe disposal. Unused medications pose a risk of abuse and a threat to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Most pharmacies have take-back programs where people can drop off old medications, which are often disposed of legally.

Pharmacy Requirements

It is the responsibility of pharmacies and patients to securely and safely destroy empty pill bottles and printed handouts. Some medical providers have special machinery for shredding pill bottles as long as the labels are still attached.

At Home Steps

Taking off the label is the simplest way to make sure your information is secure before destroying an empty pill bottle. It is then advised to write over the information on the label so it is no longer legible. If identity thieves obtain this information from a pill bottle in your trash, they can use it in a variety of ways.

UCI Document Destruction

At UCI, we are certified and trained in shredding any and all documents, including hard drives. If your business is in need of a professional shredding company, give us a call at 806-372-7722 today!