9 replies to this topic

[TroyLynn]

I've never seen anything about this, I have about 2 months worth of Gleevec left, I started Sprycel today.  I will keep the Gleevec for a little while,  but if I no longer need it how do I safely dispose of it?  I know this, if the medicine has been opened I cannot return it to the pharmacy. Thanks, -Troy-

[hannibellemo]

Good luck on Sprycel, Troy. I started it in Oct. 2009 after experiencing severe liver toxicty with Gleevec. I've been MMR since August 2010.

Please go to http://newcmldrug.com and ask your question again on that site. They have been very helpful in disposal of unneeded TKIs.

Pat

Oops, in checking to make sure my link worked I discovered that Jerry Mayfield, the administrator for the site is working feverishly to control a spambot that overtook their discussion boards. Hopefully, it will be back up soon. Please be patient.

If you haven't been to that site it is very helpful, too. Jerry has CML and was the 2nd person admitted to the Sprycel trials.

[TroyLynn]

Thank you Pat, I will check periodically....I have to admit I was afraid to switch to Sprycel and just let the bottle sit for a day. I quoted a line from The Emperor's New Groove to my daughter when she asked me if I would finally be taking Sprycel today.

"Yzma: [handing Kronk a bottle of poison] Take it, Kronk. Oh ho ho! Feel the power. 
Kronk: Oh... I can feel it."

I haven't felt the power yet, but it did feel good to conquer the fear : )

[Happycat]

Our town has a safe drug disposal day (may be a state thing).  You could ask and see if yours does the same.  They are becoming more popular since they don't want people just flushing them down the drain. 

Traci

[WoofWoof]

'I was in a similar situation when I switched to Tasigna. I contacted the pharmacist at my Oncs' office. She willingly took them and I'm sure gave them to a patient without insurance. Give you doctor a call.

[MJL]

Perhaps your Oncologist will take them and give hem to someone who is uninsured or has a huge co pay.

MJL.

[helenet]

I agree-- I have also seen folks ask if anyone needed these -- albeit-- indiscreetly.  There are many of us in need out there--and many in need-- it does not make sense to dispose of these if they are not yet expired.

[CallMeLucky]

I agree as well, it would be an awful waste to see them destroyed knowing how expensive they are and that they can help someone.  My suspicion is you probably already got more than one private message from someone who is willing to take them off your hands.  As others have mentioned, if nothing else, I would give them to my doctor and let them figure out what to do with them.  Most would probably pass them along to someone they know who needs them as a "sample".

[helenet]

Lucky-- I do hope that someone will contact him privately-- 

[TroyLynn]

All good ideas, thank you....I will check with my oncology nurse next time I go to Huntsman, that would be July.  I sure hope Sprycel works, the headache it gave me was debilitating, but my girls were like, mom it's 9:00 p.m. and your still awake....amazing!