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'Gifting' of unwanted medication concerns addressed

6th August 2018

In this new era of awareness and need to reuse and recycle; there has been this long standing question of whether medications used in the treatment of MS can be sold or gifted to someone else taking the same prescribed medication.

We recognise that these medications can be costly both to individuals and the wider community, and there is an inherent need or want to assist others; but under several federal and state laws the sale and distribution (including gifting) of prescribed medications, without a licence to do so, is illegal.

Consistent with the legislation surrounding unused prescription medication, the Multiple Sclerosis Society SA/NT does not recommend, or facilitate the sharing of medications between clients as it is impossible to ensure:

• medications have been stored appropriately
• the medication, dose and mode of administration is correct for the individual receiving the medication and their particular treatment regime
• the individual receiving the medication has had the appropriate information/education about the use of the medication (provided by the prescriber and dispensing pharmacist).

Any out of date or no longer used medications can be disposed of through your local pharmacy; this is then disposed of safely through the government initiated ‘Return Unwanted Medicines’ scheme.

For further information, please visit http://www.returnmed.com.au.

Regards,
MS Nursing team