Question: How am I supposed to dispose of unused medication?
Answer: The safest and most environmentally friendly method is to take it to a hazardous-waste facility. Otherwise, dispose of unused or expired medications in your trash in unidentifiable containers, making sure children or animals can't get it.
Pouring old medications down the toilet or sink can cause environmental damage — some drugs are not adequately destroyed by sewage treatment. Trace amounts can contaminate the water supply.
Question: My wife's dentist used a glow stick to inspect her mouth — for cancer. She was billed for a "ViziLite Exam." Can you explain?
Answer: A ViziLite is a Food and Drug Administration-approved screening technology used to identify, evaluate and monitor oral abnormalities, including cancer. It is used in conjunction with a visual oral screening and is perfectly safe.
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During the procedure, patients rinse their mouths with a raspberry-flavored cleansing solution that allows the dentist to see under the mouth's top cell layer. The dentist uses the wandlike tool, which glows for about 10 minutes, to examine the mouth and tongue. More information: www.vizilite.com online.
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