Vicodin is a controlled substance....According to
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/general.htm QUOTE - Question: Can an individual return their controlled substance prescription medication to a pharmacy?
Answer: No. An individual patient may not return their unused controlled substance prescription medication to the pharmacy. Federal laws and regulations make no provisions for an individual to return their controlled substance prescription medication to a pharmacy for further dispensing or for disposal. There are no provisions in the Controlled Substances Act or Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for a DEA registrant (i.e., retail pharmacy) to acquire controlled substances from a non-registrant (i.e. individual patient).
The CFR does have a provision for an individual to return their unused controlled substance medication to the pharmacy in the event of the controlled substance being recalled or a dispensing error has occurred.
An individual may dispose of their own controlled substance medication without approval from DEA. Medications should be disposed of in such a manner that does not allow for the controlled substances to be easily retrieved. In situations where an individual has expired, a caregiver or hospice staff member may assist the family with the proper disposal of any unused controlled substance medications.
The date that's listed on the bottle is usually the date that the prescription itself expires and in a controlled substance's case is usually 6 months from the date that the prescription is written. The pills will not actually expire until usually around a year and a half or so later. If you're curious about the expiration date of the actual pills, you can call the pharmacy and ask them what the expiration date of the bottle that they have on their shelf is. That way you can mark it on the bottle and know when your bottle will be out of date.
