With health care costs skyrocketing, medical professionals and lawmakers alike are trying to find any way to reduce spending. One idea that’s starting to catch on in some states — give away unused prescription drugs.
The process is known as “drug recycling, ” and helps those who can’t afford their needed medications.
This practice can help improve people’s health through better health care management and prevent costly emergency room visits.
Currently, there are over 30 states either actively practicing drug recycling or conducting studies on how they can implement programs, reported the Associated Press.
Before unused drugs are re-distributed they must pass certain safety inspections. Some states only allow drug donations from health care providers directly. Others only accept sealed drugs, or medications safety-checked by pharmacists.
“These are medications that would’ve otherwise been destroyed, ” said Wyoming state pharmacist, Roxanne Homar.
Programs to provide people with need medication can pay for themselves, pointed out David Fries, the CEO of the Iowa Prescription Drug Corporation.
“[Drug recycling works] with one patient and saving them and keeping them out of the hospital over the long term, ” said Fries.