This study evaluates two interventions intended to increase the safe disposal of leftover prescription opioids, compared to no intervention. Participants will receive an informational sheet describing how to safely dispose of leftover prescription opioids, an informational sheet with a drug disposal kit, or no intervention. Participants will be randomized by day for pragmatic reasons.
Many persons who receive a prescription for opioids report having leftover opioids once the prescription is finished. Leftover prescription opioids serve as a reservoir of products for misuse, given 90% of people who misuse prescription opioids report obtaining the opioids from a friend, family member, or a legitimate prescription. The best way to increase the rate of safe disposal of leftover opioids is unclear. The present study will generate evidence comparing how well a drug disposal system compares with providing an informational handout on properly disposing of leftover prescription opioids. Participants will be randomized by day to one of two disposal interventions or no disposal intervention. Disposal interventions include a drug disposal kit or an informational sheet describing how to safely dispose of leftover prescription opioids. Storage and disposal characteristics for leftover prescription opioids will be measured using standardized telephone calls with participants at 3 weeks after filling the opioid prescription. If therapy is not concluded at 3 weeks or participants are not available, then a second standardized telephone call with participants will take place at 6 weeks after filling the opioid prescription.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
499
The informational sheet details how use opioid medicines safely, and lists ways to properly dispose of leftover opioids
DisposeRx is a powder that is activated with water and traps leftover drugs (i.e. pills, capsules, caplets, liquids or tablets) in a semi-solid gel. The trapped drug cannot be retrieved from the resulting gel material for misuse, abuse or to leach into landfills. The participant can then throw away the biodegradable solid material in the prescription bottle into the trash, as it is safe for the environment.
Johns Hopkins Hospital/Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Number of participants using a safe drug disposal method for leftover prescription opioids
Participants who report "yes" to disposing of leftover prescription opioid medication using a disposal intervention that aligns with recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (i.e., using a take-back program, drug disposal kit, or flushing in the toilet)
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill
Number of participants using any drug disposal method for leftover prescription opioids
Participants who report "yes" to disposing of leftover prescription opioid medication using any method
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill
Number of participants with safe storage of prescription opioids
Participants who report "yes" to safely storing prescription opioid medication (i.e., in a locked location)
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill
Number of participants who completed prescription opioid therapy
Participants who report "yes" to completing therapy for prescription opioid medication
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill
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