A doctor prescribes medication to address a health problem. It is not working and an alternative is advised — now what does one do with the unused medicine?

“We can’t take it back, but we can dispose of it for you,” said John Bove’, the pharmacist at People’s Drugstore on Washington Street.

Bove’ has been at the local drug store for more than 30 years, and he said they will dispose of them.

As for federally controlled substances, Bove’ said patients will have to hang on to medications until the drugs are turned over to the DEA or a program the police department holds.

Each year, the Vicksburg Police department has offered “take back” programs, where people can hand over any of their unused or out-of date medication.

“We collect it from the individuals and then we turn it over to the DEA,” said Vicksburg police Sgt. Jeff Merritt.

Merrit works with the Vicksburg narcotics division.

“Take backs are usually held every six months, but as of today there has been no time table set to collect the medicines,” Merrit said.

Merrit said he does not recommend flushing medicines down the toilet, and for those ready to spring clean their medicine cabinets they can bring their unused or out-of–date drugs to the police department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 601-636-0750.

Bove’ said as a pharmacist, he is allowed to return his unopened drugs he dispenses from the pharmacy.

“If the seal on the medications has not been broken some pharmaceutical companies will give partial credit for returned medicine,” he said.

The medicine has to be in-date and the company has to be contacted, Bove’ said.

“They will send a self addressed label and either the post office, FedEx or UPS will pick it up,” he said.

For more information on drug disposal, visit http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm.