(32) APhA-ASP supports the implementation of nationwide prescription drug recycling programs for the purpose of providing care to indigent patient populations.

R2 PRT: Drug recycling and repository - Wording/action:
(32) APhA-ASP supports the implementation of nationwide prescription drug recycling programs for the purpose of providing care to indigent patient populations.

Reasons for the Action(s) / Pros and Cons:

In response to soaring medical costs many states are implementing drug recycling programs that collect unused, nearly expired, and expired medications which are then used by uninsured and poor peoples. Currently, 33 states have active drug recycling programs or are in the phase of studying them for future use. Between March and December Iowa’s recycling program collected 319,000 dosage units of prescription medication worth about $300,000.

A study by the Commonwealth Fund in 2006 found 59% of uninsured people with chronic conditions either skipped a dose of their medications or went without it because it was too expensive. One third of that group visited an ER, stayed in a hospital overnight or did both, compared to 15% of their insured counterparts. For example, in Wyoming hospitals provide $120 million in uncompensated care every year, and in 2005 the dollar amount was up to 465 million.

Joseph Demers & Aditi Shukla ; 732-618-7482 ;
JosephP.Demers@gmail.com, Aditi.N.Shukla@gmail.com ;
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia