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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vagen on December 10, 2002, at 8:22:04
I have meds to donate, what can I do?
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 11, 2002, at 0:43:51
In reply to Dr. Bob: I have meds to donate, posted by vagen on December 10, 2002, at 8:22:04
> I have meds to donate, what can I do?
It would be nice if they didn't go to waste, but one of the policies here is not to offer medication directly to others:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Simcha on December 11, 2002, at 8:48:55
In reply to Dr. Bob: I have meds to donate, posted by vagen on December 10, 2002, at 8:22:04
What you can do, and it's not illegal at least in my State, is give your excess meds to your pdoc.
I've done this and he says that he can give the meds to people who need them legally.
Simcha
Posted by IsoM on December 11, 2002, at 14:42:01
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate, posted by Simcha on December 11, 2002, at 8:48:55
I'm surprised that your doctor accepts meds from others & redistributes them. I don't think it's wrong at all - please don't misunderstand me. But from what I've heard from pharmacists about returning meds, all meds returned are thrown out. There's always a possibility (even if remote) that they've been tampered with. If any harm is done, the person who distrubited them is also liable.
Posted by Krysti on December 11, 2002, at 16:47:20
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » Simcha, posted by IsoM on December 11, 2002, at 14:42:01
You can return meds to the pharmacy?
Posted by Ritch on December 11, 2002, at 23:40:08
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » IsoM, posted by Krysti on December 11, 2002, at 16:47:20
> You can return meds to the pharmacy?
I *think* what Simcha meant, was that his pdoc might be willing to accept unused meds from (some) of his patients that he could redistribute (free of charge) back to other patients (not through the pharmacy). Obviously the doctor would use judgment about tampering possibilities (based on patient knowledge) and is aware of the liability issues, and would tell any recipients of the medication of their source (why they are free). It would be a trust issue. I do not know whether that would be specifically illegal in any case or not.
Posted by IsoM on December 12, 2002, at 1:01:07
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » IsoM, posted by Krysti on December 11, 2002, at 16:47:20
Posted by vagen on December 12, 2002, at 3:35:52
In reply to ...only for disposal (nm) » Krysti, posted by IsoM on December 12, 2002, at 1:01:07
Thanks guys! I guess I will just take them back to the pharmacy for disposal.
My hope was just to help someone out.Being in the military, I don't think the pdoc will re-distr.
I just wasn't thinking it all the way through.
I am still zoning on the new meds.
Posted by Krysti on December 12, 2002, at 8:06:31
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » Krysti, posted by Ritch on December 11, 2002, at 23:40:08
> > You can return meds to the pharmacy?
>
> I *think* what Simcha meant, was that his pdoc might be willing to accept unused meds from (some) of his patients that he could redistribute (free of charge) back to other patients (not through the pharmacy). Obviously the doctor would use judgment about tampering possibilities (based on patient knowledge) and is aware of the liability issues, and would tell any recipients of the medication of their source (why they are free). It would be a trust issue. I do not know whether that would be specifically illegal in any case or not.Hi Ritch,
I was actually referring to this comment:
> But from what I've heard from pharmacists about returning meds, all meds returned are thrown out.
I know it's not really a possibility to redistribute them because of tampering issues, but it's also a bummer at how much money I've wasted on them. It seems I always have a melt down and have to switch meds RIGHT after I get a prescription filled. I can't tell you how many full bottles of stuff I have.
Oh well!
Krysti
Posted by Ritch on December 12, 2002, at 9:17:42
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » Ritch, posted by Krysti on December 12, 2002, at 8:06:31
> > > You can return meds to the pharmacy?
> >
> > I *think* what Simcha meant, was that his pdoc might be willing to accept unused meds from (some) of his patients that he could redistribute (free of charge) back to other patients (not through the pharmacy). Obviously the doctor would use judgment about tampering possibilities (based on patient knowledge) and is aware of the liability issues, and would tell any recipients of the medication of their source (why they are free). It would be a trust issue. I do not know whether that would be specifically illegal in any case or not.
>
> Hi Ritch,
>
> I was actually referring to this comment:
>
> > But from what I've heard from pharmacists about returning meds, all meds returned are thrown out.
>
> I know it's not really a possibility to redistribute them because of tampering issues, but it's also a bummer at how much money I've wasted on them. It seems I always have a melt down and have to switch meds RIGHT after I get a prescription filled. I can't tell you how many full bottles of stuff I have.
>
> Oh well!
>
> Krysti
>
>Oh, I see. Now it makes me wonder where the *pharmacy* throws their unused meds away? If it isn't any different than private individuals' trash cans, why bother taking them to the pharmacy in the first place? Just pitch them in the trash can with the fish bones.
Posted by Krysti on December 12, 2002, at 11:48:38
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate » Krysti, posted by Ritch on December 12, 2002, at 9:17:42
> > > > You can return meds to the pharmacy?
> > >
> > > I *think* what Simcha meant, was that his pdoc might be willing to accept unused meds from (some) of his patients that he could redistribute (free of charge) back to other patients (not through the pharmacy). Obviously the doctor would use judgment about tampering possibilities (based on patient knowledge) and is aware of the liability issues, and would tell any recipients of the medication of their source (why they are free). It would be a trust issue. I do not know whether that would be specifically illegal in any case or not.
> >
> > Hi Ritch,
> >
> > I was actually referring to this comment:
> >
> > > But from what I've heard from pharmacists about returning meds, all meds returned are thrown out.
> >
> > I know it's not really a possibility to redistribute them because of tampering issues, but it's also a bummer at how much money I've wasted on them. It seems I always have a melt down and have to switch meds RIGHT after I get a prescription filled. I can't tell you how many full bottles of stuff I have.
> >
> > Oh well!
> >
> > Krysti
> >
> >
>
> Oh, I see. Now it makes me wonder where the *pharmacy* throws their unused meds away? If it isn't any different than private individuals' trash cans, why bother taking them to the pharmacy in the first place? Just pitch them in the trash can with the fish bones.I don't know. I also wondered why anyone would bother to take them to the pharmacy also then. I certainly know how to throw them away myself. Doh! :-)
(No offense to anyone - just joking around : )
Posted by Dinah on December 12, 2002, at 12:27:35
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate, posted by Krysti on December 12, 2002, at 11:48:38
I think I've read that there has been some groundwater contamination from people flushing or throwing out their meds. I could be wrong about that, it's just a vague memory. If so, the idea may be to dispose of them the way other chemicals should be disposed of.
Posted by leslieg on December 12, 2002, at 13:12:23
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate, posted by Dinah on December 12, 2002, at 12:27:35
> I think I've read that there has been some groundwater contamination from people flushing or throwing out their meds. I could be wrong about that, it's just a vague memory. If so, the idea may be to dispose of them the way other chemicals should be disposed of.
I don't know which (toss, flush) is right -- I've heard cons to both. If you toss (especially in the bottle), there is a risk of someone else (the biggest worry is kids) getting ahold of them; depends on how private your trash is. I was told 10+ years ago by a pharmasist to never toss for this reason -- always flush. But I've also heard (elsewhere on this board?) that the "clean" water contains comparatively high amounts of the most prescribed meds. Not so much from flushing, I think, than from un-metabolized bits peed out.
I'd never thought of returning stuff to my pharmacy. I will try to remember to ask next time I'm there (about 2x per week!)
Leslie G.
Posted by wendy b. on December 12, 2002, at 15:30:31
In reply to Re: I have meds to donate, posted by leslieg on December 12, 2002, at 13:12:23
Dear everybody:
JUST TODAY (isn't it weird?) my pharmacist's assistant gave me a photocopy of an article by Steven Luxenberg of the Washington Post, who laments that he could not find a home for 360 doses of DuoNeb (respiratory drug for emphysema), which his late mother-in-law had not used, worth almost $700. The seals were intact, etc. He found CrossLink International, of Falls Church, VA. Here is info from their web site; evidently they CAN accept meds that have been unopened and are still prior to expiration date.
I wondered this to the assistant over the phone two days ago - she said what Iso has said above, but then saw this in her local newspaper the next day, and cut it out for me. I have three 100-count Neurontin bottles, still sealed. How much is that worth? a ton, I assume, must look this up. (I love my pharmacy & the people who work there - they must think I'm the local nutcase, but they are very kind...)
Anyway, check out <CrossLinkInternational.net>
I think it sounds kosher...(!)best to everyone,
Wendy
_________________
(below is quoted fr web site)
"CrossLink International is a non-profit 501(c) (3), non-denominational organization providing free humanitarian aid in the form of medicines, medical supplies, equipment and eyeglasses to persons in need through free clinics (abroad or locally), mission hospitals, medical mission teams, Christian ministries and other humanitarian aid organizations around the world."
"CrossLink locates medical supply companies, pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, private and group medical practices with surplus medical resources they are willing to donate and then provides for the acquisition and inventory of these materials. We then match them with the needs of the ill and hurting around the world and send them through churches, missionaries, medical mission teams, denominational groups and other humanitarian aid organizations.
The Virginia Board of Pharmacy licenses CrossLink as a warehouser/distributor of proprietary medicines. We follow strict procedures to assure that the receiving organization and/or medical professional is accountable and capable of using the resources in the manner intended. We comply with all manufacturer and government warnings on the handling, storage, shipment, distribution and use of these materials. We do not accept nor do we distribute narcotics. Neither do we send medicines or medical resources that are damaged, badly labeled or near an expiration date. And, we ensure that our donated goods respect the wishes of receiving countries, agencies and medical professionals.
CrossLink is governed by a volunteer board; administered by a professional staff; dependent on faithful volunteers; partnered with other groups; and always seeking gifts of donated resources and funds. We welcome volunteers from churches, community service organizations, and schools.
Since 1996, CrossLink has sent over $18 million to 80 different countries."
"What kind of items does CrossLink collect?
* Prescription drugs (including physician’s samples) and over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and vitamins All medicines must be in sealed containers and within expiration date. We cannot take previously opened prescriptions.
* Durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, portable toilets, walkers, etc.
* Single use medical supplies such as bandages, drapes, operating gowns, sutures, surgical tubing, gauze, needles, syringes, tape, exam gloves, etc.
* Hospital fixtures such as beds, exam tables, surgical lights, autoclaves, microscopes, centrifuges, etc.
* Hospital supplies such as surgical instruments, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, operating room surgical kits, etc.
* Used and new prescription eyeglasses
* Items that can be directly used by CrossLink such as office equipment, computers, printers, etc.
* We would appreciate operation manuals with all equipment."
Posted by oracle on December 12, 2002, at 17:36:50
In reply to Re: Looks like this will work, posted by wendy b. on December 12, 2002, at 15:30:31
* Prescription drugs (including physician’s samples) and over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and vitamins All medicines must be in sealed containers and within expiration date. We cannot take previously opened prescriptions
So they cannot take meds once they are dispensed
to patients. Only if they are sealed in the original bottles, ie, right off the shelf.
It is not safe to accept meds once they have been
dispensed.
Posted by wendy b. on December 12, 2002, at 20:04:20
In reply to Re: Looks like this will work, posted by oracle on December 12, 2002, at 17:36:50
> * Prescription drugs (including physician’s samples) and over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and vitamins All medicines must be in sealed containers and within expiration date. We cannot take previously opened prescriptions
>
> So they cannot take meds once they are dispensed
> to patients. Only if they are sealed in the original bottles, ie, right off the shelf.
> It is not safe to accept meds once they have been
> dispensed.
Oracle,I get this, but my bottles are the original Rx ones, seals unbroken. They have not been dispensed in the technical sense of the word (taken out of their original container, counted, and put into a pharmacy-labeled container). They just have my scrip plastered to the outside of the original bottle. I don't see why these wouldn't be ok...
But I'll find out & let everyone know.best,
Wendy
Posted by Ritch on December 12, 2002, at 23:47:48
In reply to Re: Looks like this will work, posted by wendy b. on December 12, 2002, at 15:30:31
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 13, 2002, at 0:21:19
In reply to Dr. Bob: I have meds to donate, posted by vagen on December 10, 2002, at 8:22:04
Posted by utopizen on December 13, 2002, at 7:52:51
In reply to i feel like rifling around the pharmacy dumpster! (nm), posted by bookgurl99 on December 13, 2002, at 0:21:19
Posted by oracle on December 13, 2002, at 11:06:08
In reply to Re: Looks like this will work » oracle, posted by wendy b. on December 12, 2002, at 20:04:20
> I get this, but my bottles are the original Rx ones, seals unbroken.
I think in this case they might take them.
Posted by wendy b. on December 13, 2002, at 23:06:42
In reply to Drugstore Cowboy was a cool movie (nm), posted by utopizen on December 13, 2002, at 7:52:51
Loved it!
W.
This is the end of the thread.
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