Why Proper Disposal in Pharmaceutical Research is Extremely Important

June 22, 2023 | Ph armaceutical Waste Disposal

What is Pharmaceutical Research?

Pharmaceutical research is a broad term encompassing the scientific investigations and studies conducted by pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and academic laboratories to discover, develop, and evaluate new drugs. It is a critical component of the pharmaceutical industry that aims to improve human health by identifying and studying potential drug candidates. Pharmaceutical research plays a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, developing new treatments, and improving patient outcomes. It requires collaboration between scientists, clinicians, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure the development of safe and effective drugs for various diseases and conditions.

Pharmaceutical Research and Drug Disposal

Pharmaceutical research does not only involve using drugs and discarding them after. It is a rigorous process aimed at the development of new, safe, and effective drugs for treatment. While not all drug candidates successfully make it to the market, the process involves careful evaluation and assessment at each stage to ensure a successful outcome. Pharmaceutical research involves testing to assess a drug’s safety, efficacy, and potential risks and benefits compared to existing treatments. It is critical for all research laboratories to implement proper pharmaceutical waste disposal procedures in all research lab settings. During the development process, many potential drugs are explored, but only a small percentage of them receive regulatory approval and become available for use, this leaves many drugs needing to be disposed of.

Research labs generate various types of pharmaceutical waste, including expired drugs, unused medications, contaminated materials, and chemicals. Proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste is crucial to protect human health, the environment, and comply with state and federal regulations. Any used or unused investigational medications used during research procedures must be destroyed in accordance with the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and all other applicable environmental and safety regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe disposal of hazardous waste including pharmaceutical waste to prevent environmental contamination. Pharmaceuticals contaminating the environment is still a serious issue. Even with the recent legislation, the Code of Federal Regulations EPA 40 CFR regarding medication waste and protection of the environment, there have still been traces of pharmaceuticals in our water supply.

Implement Safe and Effective Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Systems

Every research lab facility must monitor and assure safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste. A safe medication waste disposal system must be a top priority for any users of pharmaceutical. Proper pharmaceutical waste disposal products, proper staff training, documentation and enforcement are all critical components of every research project. That’s where Rx Destroyer comes in. Our drug disposal containers are available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of pharmaceutical research and is safe and simple to use. The formula in our containers begins to work quickly to neutralize medications. As medications are dispersed in the activated carbon slurry, diversion is prevented, and potential environmental harm is reduced.

Myranda Eckert

Myranda Eckert works as the Marketing Director at Rx Destroyer™. With 9+ years at Rx Destroyer ™, Myranda brings expertise and unique practices to the drug disposal industry. She sets industry standards through her lengthy list of credentials and passion for making drug disposal simple.