[Pharmwaste] Re: Return Unwanted Medicines Project - Australia

[Ed Gottlieb]

Dear Simon,
 
Thanks for your prompt and informative reply (see below) to my (form
submitted) questions!
 
Your return program puts responsibility squarely on the shoulders of
pharmacists and, of course, on consumers who have to make the effort to
participate.  I hope AU pharmacists appreciate that by giving them such
responsibility, your nation is demonstrating a high level of trust in
their ability to perform these duties.  As you probably know, in the
U.S. only law enforcement officers are currently permitted to accept
controlled substances from consumers who don't want or need them.
 
Since you are open to more questions, I am taking the liberty of
copying this to the Pharmwaste Listserv, which has a large and informed
membership.  Your work will be of interest to many of them.  Please
consider joining this group, if you haven't already.  Here is the info:
 
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Best regards,
 
Ed Gottlieb
Chair, Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
525 3rd Street
Ithaca, NY  14850
(607) 273-8381
Fax: (607) 273-8433

>>> "Simon Appel" <simon.appel at returnmed.com.au> 3/8/2012 8:19 PM >>>

Dear Ed,
 
Thanks for your kind observations on the project!
Firstly, we continue to pursue manufacturer contribution to funding the
Project. Australia is less aggressive than other parts in this regard
although I guess they will eventually be obliged to contribute. They are
certainly aware of Product Stewardship and Extended Producer
Responsibility obligations conducted so well elsewhere.
In relation to “controlled” substances, the pharmacist is obliged to
act according to the State regulations (which are similar in all States
across Australia), after which the substance can be included in
collection. We recommend that “controlled” substances be made “unusable”
before being included (and they use their own discretion as to how they
render the product “unusable”.
 
The Project is focused on the pharmacist as being the medication
management advisor, and consumers are encouraged to seek advice as to
which medications should be kept, and which disposed of.
In particular, the care providers of aged consumers need to ensure that
the aged have the correct medicines (as they are often changed,
resulting in confusion and medication mismanagement).
 
Please do not hesitate to make contact for any further information.
 
Regards,
 
Simon Appel - OAM FAICD
Project Manager
P.O. Box 2856 Cheltenham VIC 3192
Telephone: 61 3 9583 8699 Fax: 61 3 9583853
Mobile: 0417 600 419
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