Mae's nurse was here this morning to give her the new antibiotic. Everything went well and I feel comfortable doing the next dose alone. Good, good, now on to my real concern. Now that's she's on a new different medication (rocephin), what are we supposed to do with 15 unused (still sterile, yet I took them out of the fridge to make room for the new stuff) bags of IV antibiotics. I asked this very question to the pharmacist yesterday on one of our many phone conversations coordinating the switch over. He said that he can't, by federal law, take back any of the medication to the pharmacy and suggested that I either dump it down the drain or throw it into the garbage. Seriously? We can't do better than that?
I also asked the nurse this morning and he (yes, a man) didn't have any better ideas. I am determined not to dump it down my drain (hello, Septic system and private well!) or throw it into the garbage. I've watched enough local news investigations on this very subject to know that dumping it is irresponsible, but what do I do with it? Our state's extension office lists the upcoming medication disposal drop off events, but the closest one is this weekend and over 2 hours away driving one way. Maybe I'll call the hospital this afternoon to see if they have any suggestions for me. Bloggers, any ideas?
9 comments:
I wish I had a suggestion. Good luck.
I think I remember hearing something about an organization that takes unused prescriptions to third world countries?
Well I did have a friend of a friend awhile back who just sent a mass e-mail offering her non-used prescriptions to all of us...seriously!
RK, It wasn't a RX for suppositories was it?
Wow! That is horrible. There has to be something to do with it. Putting it in the garbage or down the drain puts it into our eco system. I hope the hospital is able to help out. Please post and let us know what you find out.
Maybe the Boy Scouts will have a resource. I've heard in the past of Eagle Scout projects directed at addressing this.
What about the health department? Or if the same medication can be used on animals perhaps a veterinarian...
Hey I left you a new fabulous award for your new fab layout... it's on my blog.
I'm not into flushing or dumping either. (dump and flush in the same sentence, lol) :)
Anyhoo...is it possible to freeze it until your in town to take it to that place? Or just store it somewhere? Yeah, you'd THINK they'd have ideas on this - community wide. DUH
YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED! Go to my site for details!
Post a Comment