Is there a way to donate expensive medication?

April 17, 2019 1:27 AM

I'm recovering and in remission after being diagnosed with leukemia late last year. I have a bunch of medication that has not expired and I'd like to donate it if possible. One of the medications is Granix which is a very expensive injection drug that treats neutropenia. It has to be stored in a temperature controlled environment (which I've done) and I would only be able to donate to someone nearby. Is there a way to do this? I've been told the granix shots are roughly $1200-$1600/ shot and it's criminal to throw them away when so many people lack insurance or full coverage. I also have several months supply of antibiotics and antifungals. So many people helped me during my illness and I'd like to give back if at all possible.
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

The National Conference Of State Legislatures has collected information on State Prescription Drug Return, Reuse and Recycling Laws and if they have functional programs. Unfortunately it seems to vary so widely based on where you live that without a geographic location I'm not sure we can give more detailed information.

From other research, it seems to be mainly non temperature controlled, individually packaged medication(blister packaged) that programs can accept, although that varies by specific program.
posted by TheAdamist at 2:02 AM on April 17, 2019 [1 favorite]

You might get in touch with an organization like Direct Relief. They work throughout the U.S. with community health organizations and have partners with capability to do temperature-controlled deliveries. They usually work at scale with corporate donations, but it couldn't hurt to get in touch to see if they have any contacts at nearby community health organizations with whom you might connect. They might be able to put you in touch with the right people.
posted by limeonaire at 4:02 AM on April 17, 2019 [2 favorites]

If you have a good relationship with your doctors/nurses and will see them for follow-up, it's worth checking with them. We've been in a similar position with expensive but perishable medication for our son, and his nurse was delighted to be able to pass it along to families she knew would have had trouble affording it. (We were surprised but pleased that a seemingly "official" channel worked!)
posted by cogitron at 7:06 AM on April 17, 2019 [8 favorites]

World Medical Relief accepts some donated medication, but nothing that requires temperature control and no partially used bottles (you don't specify for some of yours). I found it by searching my state, as I have some medication I'd like to donate as well. They have a number, so you could call and ask. There might be other similar organizations nationwide.
posted by FencingGal at 7:25 AM on April 17, 2019

If you can't donate to other patients, your doctors may know (or be themselves) researchers who can use the drugs in their labs.

It may also be possible to donate the drugs for veterinary use.
posted by sevenless at 7:30 AM on April 17, 2019

Nthing asking your doctor or their nurse, this worked for me, similar as cogitron described. It was as far as i know not entirely legal, however they were happy to take the meds for uninsured patients.
posted by 15L06 at 8:42 AM on April 17, 2019

You could offer on a Facebook group for those undergoing treatment. Likely not legal, but could connect you with someone.
posted by valeries at 9:45 AM on April 17, 2019

I've done this in the past through my doctor. It seems like there's always a patient who's drawn the short straw in the insurance game. I've been the recipient of similar donations, too, so it makes me feel great to be able to pay it forward.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:48 PM on April 17, 2019 [1 favorite]