Contents
01 How it Works
04 Container Disposal Guidelines
06 Safety
07 Compliance Laws and Regulations
08 Purchasing
How it Works
Q: How does Rx Destroyer™ pharmaceutical disposal system work?
Rx Destroyer patented* formula begins dissolving medications on contact. As medications are dispersed in the activated carbon slurry, diversion is discouraged, and potential environmental harm is reduced. Product is “ready-to-use”, no adding water needed. Simply add medications and when container is full discard into common trash. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.
Q: I see capsules floating in Rx Destroyer™. Have these medications been neutralized?
Capsule shells may be less dense than the Rx Destroyer formula. Therefore, you may see some capsules floating in your container. Capsules are manufactured in a variety of materials such as protein-based gelatin and other bio-safe polymers. These components make the shells hard or soft. During the adsorption/destruction/neutralization process some may appear in the original form while others present as dissolved or collapsed. These shell conditions are considered normal and expected and does not indicate that the medication has not be neutralized.
Example: OROS (Osmotic Release Oral System) is an advanced controlled release oral drug delivery system in the form of a rigid tablet with a semi-permeable outer membrane and one or more small laser drilled holes in it. As the tablet passes through the body, water is adsorbed through the semipermeable membrane via osmosis, and the resulting osmotic pressure is used to push the active drug through the opening in the tablet. OROS is a trademarked name owned by ALZA Corporation, which pioneered the use of osmotic pumps for oral drug delivery.
Like the human stomach, Rx Destroyer’s formulation will penetrate the capsule and neutralization will begin. Many variables determine if the capsule shell completely dissolves or remains intact. Like floating capsule shells in Rx Destroyer, it’s common for end-users to find capsule shells in stool.
Q: How long does it take to adsorb or deem drugs irretrievable?
Adsorption or irretrievability time varies depending on many factors including environment, drug type, quantity, and cocktail combinations. For this reason, we recommend keeping Rx Destroyer containers that are in use kept in a controlled and secure location.
Q: Does activated carbon render substances non-retrievable?
Activated carbon is a form of chemical digestion. Chemical digestion is recognized as an example of current technology that may be utilized to achieve the non-retrievability standard set by the DEA. Rx Destroyer uses activated carbon.
Q: What U.S. Patents* apply to Rx Destroyer.
US Patent #9,403,197 Issued August 2nd, 2016 applies to Rx Destroyer used with the hardener pouches.
Use Guidelines
Q: Can I use Rx Destroyer™ pharmaceutical disposal system more than once?
Rx Destroyer pharmaceutical disposal system is a multiple use system. Continue to add medications until contents reach 2” from the top. When not in use, always store in a controlled, safe, and secure location.
Q: Is there an easier method to mass load medications into the Rx Destroyer
Rx Destroyer accessories includes our standard funnel RXFUN and RXFUN32 deluxe model which physically attach to containers. Both allow for easy and convenient dispensing of mass quantities.
Q: Why and when are the Rx Destroyer™ Hardener Pouch(s) added to the Liquids bottle?
Rx Destroyer Hardener helps prevent potential messy liquid spills in the waste stream. The dust free formulation converts Rx Destroyer contents to solid gel thereby meeting the SW-846 paint filter standards which are mandatory for liquid waste to be accepted by landfills. Once your Rx Destroyer bottle is full, simply add the sealed hardener pouch(es). The pouch wrapper is designed to begin dissolving on contact. Some medications, drugs or combinations may not be compatible with Rx Destroyer Hardener Packets due to their chemical composition.
▶ Prior to discarding, secure the cap and gently shake bottle until the fluid becomes a non-movable solid gel (Converts to gel normally within 5 minutes).
Q: Can Hardener Pouches Be Used with All-Purpose Formulations?
Yes. However, the hardener is optional and packets are sold separately.
Rx Destroyer Liquid line of products includes enough hardener packets for each bottle in the case.
When using hardener packets with All-Purpose formula, ensure that bottle contains at least 10% liquid. This allows hardener packets to fully dissolve, allowing disposed medication contents to achieve optimal hardened state.
Medication Compatibility
Q: What items may NOT be put in the Rx Destroyer™ pharmaceutical disposal system?
▶ DO NOT add effervescent or antacid or gassing medications.
▶ DO NOT add hardware such as syringes, glass or bottles. Dispose of physical vials and syringes into red sharps containers.
▶ DO NOT place Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) or any hazardous pharmaceuticals in container unless user has determined they can safely incinerate or dispose according to rules & laws under which they are governed.
▶ DO NOT add medications insoluble in H2O or oil based medications
▶ Purdue Pharma’s version of Oxycontin is “non-divertible”, unique gel formulation may not dissolve timely in Rx Destroyer. Oxycontin or variations made by Purdue may be candidate for RCRA waste – consult your internal Pharmacist.
Q: Can Rx Destroyer™ pharmaceutical disposal system accommodate transdermal patches?
Yes. For disposal, simply remove the packaging and seal to expose medicated surface and drop into your Rx Destroyer All-Purpose formula container. If patch is large, Rx Destroyer suggests folding the patch with its skin surface facing outward. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.
Q: What is the process if hazardous medications are inadvertently loaded into Rx Destroyer?
Generators are ultimately responsible for product contents. If hazardous medications are loaded into the Rx Destroyer, then the bottle must be disposed as RCRA hazardous waste. Consult supervisor for facilities, local, state, or federal rules/guidelines with regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with.
Q: How can our facility determine which medications are considered hazardous?
Due to the shear number of medication variations including new product introductions, there is no single source answer. In fact, the federal government has not updated the U-List and P-List since 1975. To make matters more challenging, each facility is responsible for identifying hazardous waste.
Under RCRA, a solid waste is considered hazardous waste if it exhibits one of four characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, or reactivity, or if it is specifically named on one of the four EPA lists of hazardous waste, P, U, F, and K, in 40 CFR §261.2(d). Drugs listed under P and U include specific unused chemicals; drugs under U are toxic, while those under P are considered acutely toxic.
Rx Destroyer recommends a combination of efforts including staff and consulting pharmacist review site formulary. If additional assistance is required, there are a number of outside analysis firms available to perform waste analysis. Also, be aware of local, state and tribal regulations may vary as to which drugs and what quantity qualify them as hazardous.
Q: Can alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol be used in Rx Destroyer™?
Alcohol is considered flammable and subsequently considered hazardous. Hazardous items are not to be placed in Rx Destroyer.
Container Disposal Guidelines
Q: What do I do when the container is full?
Rx Destroyer was developed to be disposed in the common trash. Some business types require incineration to mitigate risk. If you need to explore incineration, please call us for affordable pickup or mail-back options local to your facility.
Always review your company’s processes and policies or consult local, state, tribal or federal agencies for regulations that apply to your facilities prior to use.
Q: What is the shelf life of Rx Destroyer
Rx Destroyer products are manufactured on-demand and are processed based upon common FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory methods. Subsequently, orders shipped have a “Born On” date no later than 30 days prior to ship date.
Shelf-Life Guidelines:
▶ Unopened containers – (5) years.
▶ Once medications have been added, no longer than (1) year is suggested. If additives are bio based, user may want to dispose as soon as possible to avoid odors and or potential mold growth as it is impossible to predict all additive combinations.
With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.
Important Documentation
Q: Why do I need a Witness Destruction Log?
All controlled substance destruction must be recorded on a Waste Destruction Log. This means that two witnesses have overseen the on-site destruction of the controlled substances. The log records date, dosage, amount destroyed, destruction method, and date with signature of each witness. The witness log is kept on-site for 3 to 5 years per state regulations.
The waste log verifies that the filled Rx Destroyer contains a non-hazardous carbon mixture. Once confirmed, the bottles can be discarded into a non-RCRA pharmaceutical waste bin or non-hazardous industrial waste bin.
Q: Where can I Find RX Destroyer SDS Sheets?
Q: What information does a Waste Hauler need to accept Rx Destroyer™ products.
Within the acute healthcare market, major waste hauler policies state they will accept regulated medical waste when it’s been properly documented and segregated. Rx Destroyer products are typically considered non-RCRA Pharmaceuticals and Non-Hazardous Waste must be characterized and certified as non-RCRA hazardous material by the generator. In cases where a facility has determined they can safely commingle hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceuticals in Rx Destroyer, generator shall follow hazardous disposal processes to ensure safe and proper disposal of bottle contents. The “Waste Destruction Log” is the Generator’s record and proof of Rx Destroyer contents.
Safety
Q: Does RX Destroyer comply with Hazardous Waste standards such as USP 800 & 40 CFR parts 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 268, 270,AND 273?
Rx Destroyer products DO NOT allow hazardous waste and do not apply to these standards. If product user determines it can safely manage hazardous medical waste, then it is the users prerogative and complete sole responsibility to manage according to the rules and regulations under which they’re governed.
Q: What is to be done if Effervescent or Gassing medications were inadvertently added and the bottle appears swollen?
DO NOT OPEN. Consult supervisor immediately. Take all necessary steps to safely transfer bottle(s) to controlled disposal area. Review list of additives to ensure gas causing items or combinations of gas causing items are not replicated. With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal, and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws and regulations.
Q: What if I spill the RX Destroyer
▶ Rx Destroyer contents are Eco-Friendly and in itself is non-toxic or hazardous.
▶ Follow facility, local, state, and federal guidelines for cleanup. Always maintain a list of medications added to system in your waste destruction log.
▶ If in doubt, contact Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222.
Q: What if RX Destroyer freezes prior to use?
▶ Simply allow to thaw and use as directed.
▶ If container appears to be damaged in any way, discard.
Compliance Laws & Regulations
Q: What’s the DEA’s definition of disposal of Pharmaceutical Wastage?
Excerpt per DEA regulations (e.g., § 1304.22(c) Final Rule – “controlled substance dispensed for immediate administration pursuant to an order for medication in an institutional setting remains under the custody and control of that registered institution even if the substance is not fully exhausted (e.g., some of the substance remains in a vial, tube, transdermal patch, or syringe after administration but cannot or may not be further utilized, commonly referred to as ‘drug wastage’ and ‘pharmaceutical wastage’). Such remaining substance must be properly recorded, stored, and destroyed in accordance with DEA regulations (e.g., § 1304.22(c)), and all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations, although the destruction need not be recorded on a DEA Form 41.”
Should you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact your local DEA field office. You may also contact the DEA Office of Diversion Control, Liaison and Policy Section, at (202) 307-7297.
Q: What’s the DEA’s definition of non-retrievable?
The final rule implements a standard of destruction: non-retrievable. The process utilized to render a substance “non-retrievable” shall permanently alter the substance’s physical or chemical condition or state through irreversible means and thereby render the substance unavailable and unusable for all practical purposes. A substance is considered “non-retrievable” when it cannot be transformed to a physical or chemical condition or state as a controlled substance or controlled substance analogue.
Q: What is RCRA?
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from “cradle-to-grave.” This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.
With regard to pharmaceutical waste disposal and other regulated activities associated with pharmaceuticals, always follow applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws/regulations. If your facility requires and does not have a pharmaceutical waste service provider, Rx Destroyer can recommend a service provider.
Rx Destroyer products do not contain items in the Prop 65 chemical list. Therefore, Rx Destroyer products do not require the label notification as directed in the rule.
Purchasing
Q: Where can I purchase RX Destroyer Pharmaceutical Disposal System?
▶ Order from Authorized Distributor: See bottom of home page for partial list.
▶ Order Single Bottles: “Google” Buy Rx Destroyer look for “Authorized” Rx Destroyer distributors.
▶ Now available at all Walgreens across the USA.