Drug Repository Program
Connecting eligible Ohio State Wexner Medical Center patients to free, donated medications.
Unused medications can be costly, and it can be frustrating to have medicine you no longer need, knowing that other patients may struggle to access treatment.
The Drug Repository Program is a statewide initiative across Ohio that accepts donations of eligible prescription medications from the public and safely reissues them to other patients. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center accepts, inspects and provides these donated medications.
It’s a win-win. Donors safely dispose of medicine, knowing that it will be used by someone who needs it, while recipients save money and receive the care they need.
As a participating healthcare organization in the state program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center follows a safe, secure, pharmacist-led process that protects patients while making the best use of available medications.
How does Ohio State’s Drug Repository Program work?
- The program accepts donations of eligible, unused medications from anyone – you do not need to be a patient of either the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center or The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (the OSUCCC – James) to make a donation.
- Following State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy guidelines, each donated drug is inspected by an Ohio State Wexner Medical Center pharmacist to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Once approved for reuse, donated medications are stored separately from standard pharmacy inventory at the Ohio State University Outpatient Pharmacy – Doan Hall.
- Although anyone from the public can donate medication to the repository, the resulting inventory is only available to Ohio State patients who meet program requirements. This allows us to screen, approve and connect the right medications to the right patients in a safe, efficient manner.
- If we do end up with excess inventory of a particular drug or we receive medications that will not be used by an Ohio State patient, we will work to donate it elsewhere when appropriate.
Benefits of the Drug Repository Program
How it helps others, saves money and reduces waste
- Donors safely dispose of unused prescriptions – keeping them away from children or others and out of the landfill or water supply.
- Vital treatment becomes affordable for eligible recipients.
- Donated medication may close availability gaps during drug shortages.
- When we have excess repository inventory or can’t match an individual drug to an Ohio State patient, we may explore donation options elsewhere, when appropriate.
Which medications are accepted in the Drug Repository Program?
The program accepts select medications that meet all donation criteria. In general, a medication must:
- Be on the approved repository medication list, which is also called the repository formulary.
- If a new or particularly costly drug is not currently listed on the formulary, a pharmacist can submit it to a review process for possible addition.
- Have an expiration date at least six months from the date of donation.
- Be taken by mouth or given subcutaneously.
We do not accept sample medications or medications that:
- Must be given intravenously.
- Need refrigeration
- Are a controlled substance or compounded drug.
- Require Food and Drug Administration-mandated REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) for safe handling.
I want to apply for medication
Do I qualify for medications through Ohio State’s Drug Repository Program?
To receive medication from our Drug Repository Program, you must be:
- An Ohio resident – either permanent, current or temporary
- A current patient of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center or the OSUCCC – James
- Either uninsured or underinsured and/or experiencing financial hardship that will delay receiving medication
We do our best to match every eligible patient to the medicine they need. However, because the program depends on donated inventory, available medication may be limited.
How do I apply for medications from Ohio State’s Drug Repository Program?
Simply ask your clinic pharmacist to evaluate whether you may qualify for repository medication, or send an email to DrugRepositoryProgram@osumc.edu to request a review.
What happens if the drug I need is not available or becomes unavailable through the Drug Repository Program?
Ohio State’s financial and medication assistance team may help you find other medication programs or apply for additional financial resources.
I want to donate medication
How can I donate unused medications to Ohio State’s Drug Repository Program?
- Before donating, review the list of medications that are accepted to the Drug Repository Program. This list is sometimes called the repository formulary.
- Give the eligible medications to your Ohio State pharmacist or drop them off at the pharmacy in University Hospital – Doan Hall.
- At drop-off, you or your guardian or durable power of attorney for healthcare will be asked to fill out a collection form with required signature.
What can I do with unused medications not eligible for this program?
- If your medication is not eligible for the Drug Repository Program, please do not throw it in the trash or flush it unless instructed to do so.
- Bring unused medication to the drug take-back receptacles located in the Ohio State pharmacies at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center University Hospital, University Hospital – Doan Hall and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center East Hospital.
- Explore other safe options near your home on the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy’s list of disposal resources.
- See if your unused medication is eligible for the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio donation program.
Do donated drugs qualify as a charitable contribution or medical expense on my taxes?
Guidelines vary. You’ll need to ask your tax advisor if you can include donated drugs as either a charitable donation or a medical expense.
Have questions about the Drug Repository Program?
Providers and potential recipients or donors can send questions about eligibility, medication donations, repository inventory or how to begin the review process to DrugRepositoryProgram@osumc.edu.
Every effort will be made to reply within two business days.