9 replies to this topic

[0vercast]

I'm discontinuing Gleevec in a few days, since it never worked very well for me during the 18 months I took it. I experienced a myriad of atypical results and side effects from day one, and ultimately, my PCR has remained too high (steady 2.5% IS).

I have an entire foil-sealed bottle (30 x 400mg) remaining, and it is only a couple weeks old. Considering the importance and cost ($260/pill) of the drug, I would like to donate my Gleevec to a charity that serves CML patients in need, if possible. It'd be a damn shame to waste them.

Is there any way I can do this without breaking the law? Who should I try to contact?

Thanks, Joe

[Trey]

Your Onc is authorized to do that for you. 

[0vercast]

Hmmm. Both my onc and his nurse told me otherwise, so I'm trying to do it myself. They said their only option was to "dispose" of the meds.

[Trey]

Why am I not surprised? 

"Unjust laws exist: shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once?"

-- Henry David Thoreau

"Good men must not obey laws too well."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

[janne]

I do not know what other states have similar laws that allow for the return of unused medications as noted below. Perhaps your physician is correct and this is not allowed in your state. Such a shame to have these go to waste.

http://newwest.net/c...need/C396/L396/

Nonetheless, I would hope that someone is able to  benefit from your leftover drugs and I would also say that I would certainly ponder Ralph's and Henry's comments as posted by Trey.

Sincerely, Janne

[SunNsand]

Is there a social worker at your cancer center? If so, explain the situation to her. Maybe she will help.

I tried privately emailing you but the site won't let me.

[lemonslice]

Unfortunately no. However, Trey posted some interesting quotes.

[Tex]

I'm not sure but I think Doctors without Borders will take unused medicines. 

I did give some of mine to my onc's office (in OK) as Trey suggested.  I wound up needing them back but the thought counted I think.  I don't know if that's ruled by federal or state law so you might check to see.

[CDW]

Can i suggest you contact Greg at the National CML Society. http://www.nationalc....org/contact-us

He should be able to advise a suitable route.

C

[cgrave2]

These drugs are way too expensive to "give them back"! Please find a needy person who needs Gleevec here on these forums and send it to them. I was on the receiving end of some Tasigna, which as an uninsured patient who was temporarily without drug assistance would have had to pay $10,000 for a I month supply! ($5000 in Canada).