Medical experts have said that leftover and expired prescription drugs accumulating in America's medicine cabinets need to be disposed of in a safe and secure manner.

The Chicago Tribune reported on Friday State guidelines vary and can change, but there are some general precautions that should be taken when disposing of medications.

Start by reading labels or patient information sheets, since medications should come with disposal directions. Most can go into household trash, with a few safety precautions, and should not be flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink drain.

It has also been reported that if you're not sure, most pharmacies, hospitals or health departments can give you information, and some have disposal or take-back programs.

According to the report, the Food and Drug Administration can provide a list of medications that should not go in household trash because they would be too great a danger to anyone finding them.

People were also suggested to get rid of any personal information or identification such as your name, address or doctor's name on bottle labels before throwing them out. (With Inputs from Agencies)