The Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan launched an oral cancer drugs donation and reuse program to reduce medication waste and provide care to low-income patients, ABC affiliate WZZM reported Feb. 20.
Qualifying oral cancer drugs can be donated for free use by other Michigan residents. The program was recently approved by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. Only 12 states have drug repository programs specific to unused cancer drugs, supplies and devices, according to the report.
The goal is to provide treatment access to low-income patients, lower patient costs and reduce prescription drug waste.
"Our goal is to have 100 percent of donations prescribed for those in need," Kimberly Melgarejo, PharmD, director of pharmacy at the center, told WZZM. "Our drug repository program has strict quality-control processes to determine eligibility for drug donation and patient use. We're measuring success based on the difference between donations made and used. We expect to use each eligible drug donated."