The Mail-Back Envelope Program was created to provide a free, safe way to dispose of opioid analgesics (OA). Pharmacies and other places that fill prescriptions for OAs may request pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes from the manufacturers that are part of the OA REMS, beginning on March 31, 2025. Individuals will need to verify with their local pharmacy if the pharmacy is participating in this voluntary Mail-Back Envelope Program. If the pharmacy is participating in the Mail-Back Envelope Program, an envelope will be provided to individuals per the pharmacy’s procedures. This envelope can be used to return any unused OAs for destruction by following the instructions provided with the envelope.

• Pharmacies and other dispensing sites can order pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes free of charge by following the link to the Pre-Paid Drug Mail-Back Envelope Ordering Portal. (Available on March 31, 2025) or by calling 1-800-503-0784.
• Each pre-paid drug mail-back envelope will include instructions for use and the Patient Education Sheet.
• Pending receipt, pharmacies and other OA dispensing sites will be able to provide pre-paid drug mail-back envelopes to patients and/or caregivers according to their internal procedures.
• Patients and/or caregivers will place the unused OAs in the prepaid and unmarked envelope prior to dropping it in the nearest mailbox for shipment via the United States Postal Service (USPS) to a destruction site.
• The destruction site will destroy the pre-paid drug mail-back envelope in compliance with DEA regulations.

The Patient Education Sheet is a tool designed to inform individuals of the risks of unused OAs and the need for proper storage and disposal of the medication. The Patient Education Sheet is included in each pre-paid drug mail-back envelope.

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