i can givez medicine?

September 9, 2010 10:48 AM

Where can I donate unopened medicine in Los Angeles?

I recovered very quickly (yay!) from a case of shingles about a month ago. Now I have about six unopened bottles of Lidocaine. Where in Los Angeles can I donate them? Google searches have turned up lots of information on donating money to various clinics, but nothing on donating medicine.

posted by chicainthecity to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

Aid for AIDS has several drop off points in the LA area, but you should call about the lidocaine because that's not explicitly listed as a medicine they accept.

BIENESTAR
4955 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

5326 E Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles,CA 90002

14515 Hamlin Street, Suite 100, Van Nuys, CA 91411

VENTURA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
3147 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA, 93003, USA
posted by jedicus at 10:57 AM on September 9, 2010

I'm pretty sure that's illegal, to donate meds that are prescribed for a specific person.
posted by anniecat at 10:57 AM on September 9, 2010

It is not illegal. Most hospital pharmacies will take your medicine back for donation purposes. Please do this; it is incredibly helpful thing to many organizations.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:08 AM on September 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Actually, I spoke out of turn -- the laws vary by state, and I was basing in on my knowledge of a state that allows it. (Arizona) Fortunately, obviously based on jedicus's response, Calfornia does too
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:13 AM on September 9, 2010

Best answer: California allows unused medications to be donated and redistributed. Only pharmacies that are county owned or under contract with the country may be authorised to dispense them, so call round some hospitals/county funded clinics.
posted by shinybaum at 11:18 AM on September 9, 2010

You might try the Venice Family Clinic or the L.A. Free Clinic
posted by parkerposey at 12:57 PM on September 9, 2010