So, what to do with medication I can't take

[SuzInVa]

My doctor prescribed me Lialda, which I dutifully filled (at almost $1000, thank God for insurance). I took once (4 pills), had an allergic reaction and now they're just sitting in my medicine drawer. Does anyone know of any kind of organization that takes them? I hate to just toss them and if there's any way to put them to good use, I'd rather do that.

Thanks,
Suzanne

P.S., they are only about 2 months old.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I just threw away 2-3 months' worth of Apriso after switching to Lialda. It's not legal to do anything else with them, sadly.

 

[SuzInVa]

I just threw away 2-3 months' worth of Apriso after switching to Lialda. It's not legal to do anything else with them, sadly.

No, it's not legal. I'm willing to run the risk for someone in need, though. This stuff's expensive and if you don't have insurance, I don't know how people manage. :whistleinnocently:

 

[Loop of Poop]

I wish you had posted this earlier; I bought a month's worth of Lialda yesterday and am now completely broke. I so would've PM'd you my address if I knew we could get away with it.

 

[Grumbletum]

Interesting. Here in the UK, the GP surgery ask patients to give back any unused meds cos if they're not out of date, they can be sent to Third World countries who need them.

 

[izzi'smom]

That is wonderful, Grumble! We are such a wasteful society. I was just thinking about how I just finished ordering dd's Humira for the next month and her doc called right after to tell me to d/c it. (I *just* asked him last week if we were going to d/c it and he said no grr!).
Fortunately I am on the same dose...although it is probably illegal.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Just don't pour them down the drain or flush them down the toilet - they can get into the water supply. I wish we could donate unopened medications, but back before most of you were born, there was an incident where someone put cyanide into tylenol capsules, and now, once a medicine has been dispensed, it can't be given away legally.

 

[michellew]

I don't know anything about donating un-used meds, but, when I've been taken off a drug part-way through, I take it back to the pharmacy to have them dispose of it properly.

Michelle

 

[Lisa]

Some health departments have days where you can bring in old/unused medications - I just heard of one in NY - check with your local/County Health Dept to see when they may have a recycling day....

 

[SuzInVa]

Thanks for all the suggestions! It does seem such a waste that the U.S. doesn't have some form of donation program. I know there are safety reasons but it seems that it could be done, some way.

Ah well, guess my insurance company is just going to eat the cost.

 

[Lisa]

Just had a chance to do a quick search from my desk - check this out!

http://rxhealthquotes.com/2621/recycled-drugs-provide-prescription-medicine/

 

[Grumbletum]

Brilliant is it worth posting the link on the uninsured thread?

 

[KWalker]

Well that's a coincidence. Tomorrow (April 28) is National Prescription Drug Take-back Day! If you go on www.dea.gov you can find the nearest drop off center by you