Recycling pharmaceuticals - an environmental and humanitarian issue?

galenight, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

I think you need to be more specific. What unused meds are you referring to? Do you mean outdated meds? If so, there are safety and efficacy issues with that one. Are you talking about medications left over after a loved one has died or when a prescription is no longer needed? If so, there are issues of how it was stored, where it was stored, who touched it (ie were they ill, maybe carrying some virus or bacteria on their fingers) and is it really what the bottle says it is. Sure you can check with a IdentaDrug book, but you get the gist. I'm not saying it's necessarily a bad idea, just be devil's advocate here.

Vida · Jan 25, 2008

Yup, all of the above..

this actually dawned me because my sister is traveling to a 3rd-world country next month and she is telling me how difficult it is for her group (of volunteer medical professionals) to secure supplies for these extremely poor clinics.

I used to work in a retirement home where pharmacy would regularly come pick up unused meds - either d/c or the resident died, to crush and incinerate them. Seems obvious that people who can't afford the meds could use them!

Just got me thinking and starting to look up if anything like this is being done...and it was actually hard to find - CA has programs that give recycled meds to low-income pt's in their community..

I imagine it'd be very easy in hosp to return the meds to the same pharmacy and give them to someone else, that there would be a multitude of cleanliness and trust issues taking meds back from the community, but from LTC facilities and nursing homes, where meds are only touched by qualified staff...and groups like my sister's are also qualified staff ... I just don't know what the rules are...can organizations just accept them? and then who's responsibility is it to make sure they are transported and dispensed properly?

Just thinkin...

Vida

calliesue · Jan 25, 2008

In Tx in ltc a lot of meds are bubble /blister packed so no one ever touches them and there is a program to not have to destroy them, but it is red tape intensive and only applies to certain drugs.

I always thought it would be great if they could be turned over to agencies like clinics that serve the poor.

Or missions. :redpinkhe

Vida · Jan 25, 2008

It'd be amazing if there were a pharmacy whose job was to only find and accept donated meds to recycle - to give back to places like missions.

justpoorfect · Jan 25, 2008

I did a clinical rotation in a county social welfare board clinic, wherein they accepted extra meds from the public and dispensed them to the county's indigent. They passed out meds that were up to 18 months over the expiration date as well, additionally they received soon to expire pharmaceutical sample packs. It is an awesome program for the uninsured, but only available to county residents. I reside 2 blocks over the county line, and don't believe there is another program like it in the entire state of Missouri.

Katie82, RN · Jan 27, 2008

I volunteered in a Free Clinic and we relied on recycled drugs and those who expiration date was near. Both pharmacists and drug reps verified that medications are good for at least a year after expiration, many for a longer period. We put them to good use. It is unfortunate that anything that id destined for a 3rd-wourld population must pass through that government. Many of our good intentions get lost on the way and end up in the hands of corrupt governments.

Vida · Jan 27, 2008

is that always the case - they must go through foreign governments?

This must have been so frustrating for you guys!

Vida

flowers4 · Sep 23, 2008

To justpoorfect and ksilty: I am a pharmacist in the Kansas City area and have many times gotten the question "What can I do with these meds I no longer need?" Can you tell me who the county agency and/or free clinic is so I can direct people to donate to it?

justpoorfect · Sep 24, 2008

Social Welfare Board, 904 S 10th St., St. Joseph, MO. 816-233-5188