Most States Have Rules for Unwanted Drug Disposal, But Few Provide Funding

Nearly two-thirds of US states have promulgated a statute addressing the disposal of unused or unwanted drugs, according to study findings published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.

“Most states have passed a statute relating to drug disposal from the general public as of May 2022, and their characteristics varied widely,” wrote lead author Rachel E. Barenie, Pharm D, JD, MPH, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and coauthors. “Few provided a funding mechanism, which is a major barrier to implementation, or mandated pharmacy participation.”

The study focused on statutes intended to facilitate disposal of unwanted drugs and did not include drug donation programs.

Some 63% of US states and the District of Columbia had enacted a drug disposal statute, reported researchers. Most lacked funding and did not require pharmacies to take part.

Statutes commonly specified types of medications accepted for disposal, sites allowed to accept them, and who may dispose of them. Hardly any spelled out which health care providers could accept medications for disposal, according to study authors.

“Opportunities may exist at the state level to incentivize disposal initiatives,” wrote researchers, “and additional research is needed to explore the possible effects of these state statutes on important outcomes.”

Reference:
Barenie RE, Leav K, Johnson WTE III, Wheeler JS. Review and assessment of drug disposal state statutes in the US, 2022. J Am Pharm Assoc. Published online June 8, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2022.06.001