Donate Medications I can't take

[MarcieL]

Hi all,

I am not sure if I can legally donate all the extra medications I have that I can not take due to side effects. I have a ton of Elmiron and Neurontin and I know how expensive it is. Is there a legal way to donate this medication I can not take? If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

Thanks,

bunny

Marcie

[TiaTia]

Marcie...

I think the best way to handle it would be to call your pharmacist and ask if he/she can take them back. Some will, some won't.

I do know that it is completely illegal (I think with pretty serious repercussions (sp?)to give any medication prescribed in your name to anyone else...even one pill. I know a lot of people do this...husbands & wives, friends, etc. A few years ago I was out with friends and developed a terrible migraine, and one of them offered me Percocet. I said no thanks, but a lot of people don't know that it is illegal, and could get you into a lot of trouble. That is a bummer though, huh? There are a TON of ICers out there who are either struggling or just downright pay for their medicines, and you are supposed to dispose of them rather than give them to someone who taked them, but can't really afford it.

Anyway, sorry about babbling, but checking with my pharmacist would be my first step. I know mine really well, he is a great and dedicated guy, and he will take my medine back and credit my account if it is something that the doctor gave me tons of and it doesn't work for me.

Good luck with this. I do want to say that you have a very generous heart to be thinking of others before anything else. God Bless...

Cristina angel

[auntiedeb]

Hi Marcie, It is illegal to give meds to anyone else but prescribed for you. You have a wonderful heart and thinking of others. I would call my pharmicist and see if he or she would take them back, I don't know if they will. Hang in there. There is hope.

[tigger_gal]

What about calling your doctor and asking him if he would give them to a patient that needs and can't afford them, at least you are giving them back... I know in Mich. the drug store will not take them back..
you are an angel bless your heart for being so thoughtful
Brat

[ICNDonna]

Unfortunately, once that container of medications leaves the pharmacy it cannot legally be either returned or given to anyone else. If a pharmacist takes it back, he can only discard it.

I do think it's nice that you are wanting to share.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[jaime15]

I wondered about this situation myself. Good question Marcie.
Years ago before I was dx'ed with IC, my first uro just kept putting me on meds that didn't work. So when I would come back to him he'd tell me to bring the meds in that he could give them to someone less fortunate. I always thought, how do you know I didn't tamper w/them??? (Though I never would). Anyway I have had a uro now for 3 and 1/2 years who I'd trade for nothing.
Jaime wink

[tcbyscot77]

marcie, i used to work in a pharmacy and they will not take back any medications, but it is nice of you to want to give other people some medicine they cant afford. when i worked there myself and one of the pharmacists would actually buy some pts meds. personally i dont like to see pts go wi thout their meds. a few days ago i got on a web site with different pharmaceutical companies and most of them will give pts free meds if they are at or below the states poverty level. also most drs will give out samples. when i was on elmiron i couldnt afford it because it was not covered on my ins. it was 91.00 for a months supply. i asked my dr for some and he gave me a whole bottle. thank goodness for that. i just thought id let you know about this. lindsey

[mary jiminez]

I can't speak for all doctors, but not long ago, my doctor gave me valium, because I was really stressed and thought I needed a change from my usual xanax. I only took one quarter of a valium and discovered I couldn't take it. I told my doctor, who again prescribed my usual xanax. Anyway, I had the bottle of valium with me and I asked him what to do with it. He said I could either take it home or give it to him and he would give it to someone who couldn't afford it. He said he had a whole closet of drugs that people couldn't afford, and since he knew who they were, he just gave them to these people when they showed up in his office. I gave him my valium and felt good that someone, I don't care who, would get some benefit from them. I will always from now on, do this, because in the past, I have thrown away elmiron, celexa, zoloft, paxil, etc. No more. Now that i know there is something I can do with these leftover drugs, I will always bring them back to my primary, so he can donate them to someone else. My tiny bit of leftover drugs may not help much, but if everyone would do this, maybe many more people would be able to get some help that doesn't rely on ability to pay. grouphug

[Sandra m333]

Hi Mary ! I do the same I return the drugs to my family doc to give out to patients who cannot afford them! take Care Sandra grouphug

[mommyof3]

I am a veterinary technician in Oregon. I am newly idagnosed although I have been suffering for about 7 yrs now. I know that the drug standards and regs are alot different w/animals, you would have to check w/your veterinarian, but I am obviously an animal lover and I know that we are able to donate human meds that are of use to animals with no problem where as w/humans it is illegal. Not sure if these drugs are ever used for animals or not but worth checking, I think.Why not help a furry friend if the alternative is the trash can?

[ICNDonna]

For Mommy of 3:

Welcome to the IC Network. I'm also an Oregonian --- living outside of Eugene. If you're anywhere close, there's a support group that meets in Eugene. I post when the meetings are being held so if you're interested, check the Northwest board.

Hugs,
Donna

[PikkuMyy]

I know this is an old thread, but in case anyone else reads it, I want to second "Mommyof3"s posting. I can't see how Elmiron would be helpful to animals. However, many other drugs we take, like antihistamines and painkillers can be. I volunteer in a wild animal rescue hospital and we greatly rely on donations from veterinary offices, etc. If any of us have meds to donate, check if there is one in your area and call to ask them if they can use the meds. They will be greatful you called.

Emily