By SubstanceMedication Disposal

Use Cleaners and Disinfectants Safely at Home

The Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) has seen a 70% increase in calls related to cleaning products and disinfectants. We remind residents of the importance of proper use and handling of cleaning products and disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

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Marijuana Edibles

With a majority of states having the ability to host medical marijuana dispensaries, the increased availability comes with a heightened risk of accidental ingestion among children as these products are cleverly marketed and aim to entice. In its edible form, products laced with marijuana include candies, pastries, cookies, and...

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E-Cigarettes and Vaping

In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) has risen dramatically.  According to the 2017 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a staggering 11.7 % of high school students have reportedly used an e-cig product, compared to a mere 1.5% of students reporting usage in 2011.  These figures mirror similar findings...

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FDA Encourages Americans to Dispose of Unused Prescription Opioids Safely

More than 100 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, and millions are addicted to opioids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched Remove the Risk, an education and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the serious risks of keeping unused prescription opioids in the home and...

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Infant Botulism

Infant Botulism is a very rare illness caused mainly by giving honey to a baby that’s between 3 weeks and 6 months old, but those who are under the age of 1 are at risk of getting this illness. The bacteria is called Clostridium Botulinum, which can sometimes be...

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Get Otto’s Poison Discovery!

The Central Texas Poison Center (CTPC) has developed a fun educational book called Otto’s Poison Discovery. Otto’s Poison Discovery was created to reach pre-k through 2nd grade students and can be used within any setting, whether it is at school, home, or library.  While the Texas Poison Center Network...

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Severe bleeding linked to synthetic cannabinoid use

OUTBREAK RECOMMENDATIONS The CDC, local health departments, and local poison control centers are actively investigating more than 100 cases of severe bleeding among people who have used synthetic cannabinoids. The first case was reported in Illinois on March 10, 2018, and several other states have reported cases. If you have purchased a...

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Keeping Your Family Safe Around Medicine

Today there are more medicines in the home than ever before, and this increases the potential risk to children of accidental medicine poisoning.   Every year, more than 59,000 young children are seen in emergency rooms because they got into medicine while a caregiver wasn’t looking.  Almost every minute of...

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Button Batteries…They Look Innocent

Many toys and electronics are powered by small disc batteries.  These batteries are often accidentally swallowed by small children, and sometimes adults.  Every year in the United States, more than 3,500 people of all ages swallow these miniature disc or “button batteries”.  A study of 2,382 cases of battery...

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The Dangers of Fentanyl

Many questions still remain about the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Prince in April 2016. However, a report released by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office concluded that the singer died from an overdose of the opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic, with a rapid onset and...

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