Verde launches Deterra drug disposal pilot in Delaware

MINNEAPOLIS — Verde Technologies has announced a pilot program for its Deterra Drug Deactivation System that will see the company partner with the Delaware Prescription Action Committee (PDAC) and the Delaware Pharmacists Society to combat prescription drug abuse.

Deterra uses Verde’s Molecular Absorption Technology, which is a carbon that bonds to pharmaceutical compounds when water is added, neutralizing a drug’s active ingredient and allowing the bag to be thrown away. The product will allow Delaware residents — where since 2010 more people have died from drug overdoses than any other accidental cause — to dispose of oft-abused medication quickly without risk of them entering the water supply or landfills.

“We must take a multi-faceted approach to reducing prescription drug abuse in Delaware”" said Dr. Karyl Rattay, co-chair of the PDAC and Delaware Division of Public Health director. “Safe and secure disposal is a vital part of keeping drugs out of the hands of the wrong people and protecting our water supply. This statewide pilot is an important step in the right direction.”

Starting Aug. 18, Verde will work with pharmacists to provide 1,200 residents with qualifying prescriptions free Deterra packages that will allow them to deactivate any unused prescription medication, particularly opioids. Pharmacists will also receive training to teach residents about safe medication deactivation and disposal.

“Pharmacists play a critical role in reducing prescription drug abuse by practicing responsible dispensing of painkillers and educating patients, and now the new Deterra program provides us all with a proven tool to empower patients to safely deactivate and dispose of leftover medications at home,” said Hooshang Shanehsaz, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities pharmacy director. “It offers a convenient, cost-effective way to remove medications from the home, and ultimately prevent prescription drug abuse from starting.”