1. Discussion Forums
    2. General
    3. Miscellaneous
You must Sign In to post a response.
  • Category: Miscellaneous
    Points:5

    Seeking a practical solution

    At the outset, I have to say that I have been suffering from sugar problem, high cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. for the last four years. As a Central Government employee, I get the prescribed medicines free of cost, thanks to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

    Now, the problem. I have to undergo health check-up in every three months and the specialist physician changes the medicines, if he finds it necessary, as per the test-report.

    My question is: If the medicines are changed, then what to do with the unused (previous) medicines? Many members would opine that these medicines must be returned. But the problem is: The pharmacist takes back the entire unused foil of medicine, but not the partially used foil. For example, if I want to return a 10-tablet foil, out of which only two tablets have been consumed, the pharmacist would not accept it.

    I don't like to throw away such medicines, which may be useful for other patients. So, I am seeking a practical solution from other members.

    How to return the partially-used medicine foils?
  • #769332

      

    Points:4
    Partha,

    The partially-used medicines need not go waste. You could inquire at hospitals where they have provisions to provide medicines free of cost to the poor. You could also inquire with Govt. clinics whether they would be willing to take those medicines. Another suggestion is to approach NGOs that work with the underprivileged or even Doctors directly who have set up clinics for the poor.

    It is hoped that in addition to the medicines prescribed by your physician, you are disciplined about what you eat and drink, avoiding oily, sugary stuff, etc and controlling temptations. Stay in good health!
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #769338

    Points:4
    I appreciate the sentiments of the author who would not like to see wastage of the medicines not used for new prescriptions in accordance with his health conditions. He is seeking a practical solution how the leftover medicines could be useful for the needy patients. The best way is to visit the government hospitals to redress this issue. There are a lot of needy patients requiring such medications after the prescription of the doctors. The doctors on duty would decide how best these medicines could be used so that they get relief from their ailments.
    Hope, you are taking utmost care of your health with your disciplined approach to maintain your your health parameters. Dumping such medicines might be dangerous since the pet animals might consume the same in some isolated circumstances.

  • #769339

    Points:3
    Some organizations will collect unused medicines and distribute them to poor patients in collaboration with doctors and other non-government organizations as pointed out by Ms. Vandana. At our place, one branch of the State Bank of India, kept a big wooden box to deposit unused medicines. In Delhi, there will not be a shortage of organizations that work for the distribution of unused medicines for the poor.
    " Be Good and Do Good "

  • #769341

    Points:5
    I appreciate the thoughts of the author. The medicine which is not useful to him may be useful to somebody else. So it is good thinking to see that the medicine will not get wasted.
    If any known medical shop pharmacist is there, we can give these medicines without asking for any replacement or money back. Then he will take them. He may sell it to somebody who asks for some lesser quantity or he may give it free of cost. In my place, the owner of a medical shop is known to me. I will hand over the medicines to him. When I take some other medicine, he will adjust that amount. Speciality medicines will not be taken back by a pharmacist.
    If we know any doctor who is practising, we can give these medicines to him. He will give it to the needy for a cost or free. Many doctors give free samples to known patients. In the same way, the doctor can give these medicines also to the needful
    drrao
    always confident

  • #769343

    Points:4
    There are some social organisations which collect medicines and then use it through their doctors for poor and needy so one can try that channel also.
    Otherwise one easier method is to have some arrangement with the pharmacy or medicine shop that if there are some medicines left out much before their expiry dates then they should be taken back. Many pharmacies will agree for that.
    There are some private doctors also who will accept these unused medicines and give them to the poor and needy. But these private doctors will not accept the left over medicines from everyone and one will have to have some rapport with them.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #769351

      

    Points:4
    I have a doubt, Partha. You are taking medicines as per the directions of your physician, right? And you need to go for a check up every three months. So, as a common man, I presume that your doctor will prescribe you medicines for three months and it implies that you have to take the dosage as prescribed. Then how come you are having extra tablets or capsules? Hope you are not shamming with the intake of medicines. Please be very strict about it.

    Coming to disposing off unconsumed medicines, In addition to the suggestions above, I have read somewhere that tablets and constituents of capsules can be used as anti-fungal fertilizers for plants.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #769354

    Points:1
    I appreciate the searching question by Saji Sir.

    The procedure is as under:
    In every three months, I go to the local CGHS Centre and get recommendations for the necessary tests. After getting these tests done, I visit the specialist-physician in one of the top Government hospitals of Delhi. He prescribes medicines for the next three months. Then again I visit the local CGHS centre for indent of medicines. The medicines are provided for one month. In each month, medicines are indented.

    I generally visit the specialist before the completion of three months period. So, in case of change of medicines, the previous medicines for 7-8 days become useless.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #769359

    Points:5 (₹ 2)
    When a person's condition is monitored periodically and the medicinal usage is accordingly adjusted generally there won't be any drastic change unless the situation has changed drastically or some other additional problems are detected or diagnosed. Usually, there will be a slight increase or decrease in the intake frequency or dosage (quantum) of the medicine. Very rarely only there will be a total change of medicine. That also may be of one medicine or two from the overall prescription.

    Hence in every visit to the doctor, it is suggested to inform him about the existing stock of medicines from the previous prescription. The doctor will usually ask us to exhaust the existing stock (or taper it) and then start the new medicine. If only the dosage is changed the existing medicine can be taken in multiples or fractions of the previous quantum as per the revised dosage. For example, if the medicine earlier prescribed is XYZ 10 mg and now changed to XYZ 20 mg then till the present stock is exhausted one can take two tabs of the existing tablet. If it is say from 10 to 5mg then the tab can be taken in half and like that. After the stock is exhausted new purchases can be of the new dosage quantum.

    The most practical and practised method will be to continue existing medicines until stock is exhausted and then start the new alternative or substitute. This should be discussed with the doctor and confirmed.

  • #769361

    Points:1
    I have never said that entire set of medicines is changed. I have to take five medicines every day. On each visit, the specialist changes maximum one medicine, depending upon test reports.

    Venkiteswaran Sir has stated: "...if the medicine earlier prescribed is XYZ 10 mg and now changed to XYZ 20 mg then till the present stock is exhausted one can take two tabs of the existing tablet. If it is say from 10 to 5mg then the tab can be taken in half and like that. "---- It is true, but is not always possible. Let me give one specific example.

    When my problem was identified in February 2019, the physician started with Rosuvastatin 20 for very high level of cholesterol. At that time, I had to visit the specialist once in every month. Next month, the strength was reduced to Rosuvastatin 10. After, say, one year, it was made 5 mg, and now I am taking 2 mg strength for cholesterol. But the size of Rosuvastatin tablet is such that, it can never be cut into two pieces.

    There are different types of practical difficulties. As for example, if the name of medicine can't be read from a partially used foil, the Government pharmacist, even if identifying the medicine, doesn't want to take it back. He has a valid reason. It would be difficult for him to convince another consumer if he/she is given that medicine foil which is not readable.

    Finally, I would like to state that as I receive the medicines free of cost from CGHS centre, I never want to sell the unused medicine in private medicine shop. I always try to return such medicine to the pharmacist of my CGHS centre.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #769362

      

    Points:4
    Venkiteswaran may have made a practical suggestion, but it is rarely the case that it is possible. In fact, I understand Partha's problem from the point of view of the number of tablets in a strip vis a vis the duration the medicine has to be taken. When the doctor says, for example, take this tablet once a day for three days only, and the strip of tablets is eight, the remaining are not consumed. I have experienced this. Why aren't tablets available in smaller quantities? Why are we obliged to buy a strip of say, eight or 10 tablets? Even if we inform the doctor that there are some still left, it is not necessarily the case that the doctor will say to continue till the entire strip is over. It will obviously depend on whether or not those need to be continued.
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #769363

      

    Points:1
    There is no rule that a tablet/ capsule can be purchased only in strips. It is based on the prescription and your pocket. So, why buy extra?

    For example, I have cold and I am prescribed a dose of 1+1+1 a tablet for three days. That makes it to nine. So, I buy nine tablets. That's all.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #769365

    Points:1
    In Delhi, we get medicine in strips only. Even if requested, the medicine shops refuse to sell part-strip.

    Even in hospitals/dispensaries, they give complete strips. And that is the precise reason behind raising this Forum post,
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #769366

      

    Points:2
    Saji,

    It is not that simple. The pharmacy does not break up strips and gives only how many you want. If that were the case, do you think people would buy a full strip? As it is medicines are expensive so surely they would, if they could, opt for a limited number of tablets as prescribed.
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #769376

      

    Points:2
    Ma'am, that is our mistake that we don't question. If I want just six tablets, the medical shop has no choice but to give me just six. I am quite surprised that pharmacists do not break up strips in your area or in Delhi as stated by Partha. Just take their licence number and see the difference.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #769380

    Points:4
    Saji has raised a very good question. Previously we used to get medicines in the required quantity. These days we are getting strips of 10 and for some even 15 tablets or capsules. Another case is strips of 7 tablets. You have to buy 5 strips consisting of 35 tablets. If the same is discontinued, 5 tablets will be useless.
    Regarding the suggestion that excess tablets may be used according to the dosage of the medicine. Some doctors say that it is not advisable. Some of the doctors in collusion with medical shops prescribe the medicines. The pharmaceutical industry is looting people in all possible ways.
    " Be Good and Do Good "

  • #769387

      

    Points:5
    I understood the problem of the author and it is also a fact that most chemist shops, at least in my area, do not break up a strip and sell it if the medicine is costly. Though we have not tried the suggestion of Saji sir where he mentioned noting down the license number of the chemist shop, I feel if we try some differences may happen. One is not bound to purchase an extra number of doses beyond the prescribed limit which is absolutely logical.

    Coming to the problem of the author I would request him to enquire about medicine banks available near his area. He can neatly pack and drop such unused medicines in the medicine bank which can be collected by the persons who need them. He can discuss the practical problem of unused doses with the doctor and the pharmacist and enquire about the nearby medicine banks. Hope those who are in the profession may come to help. If the name of the medicines cannot be read properly because of a broken strip then I would suggest neatly writing the name of the medicine and the expiry date on a small packet/envelope and putting the medicine inside the pack which will help to identify it later on.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #769389

    Points:5
    Certain medicines are prescribed more. So they are more sold and the pharmacies do not mind selling loose and less than a strip. In these cases the pharmacists (from where you purchased or regularly purchasing medicines) may even take back the unused medicines if the label and expiry date etc. are intact. But there are certain medicines which are not prescribed more. Such medicines do not sell more. Hence the pharmacists may not like to sell them in small numbers less than a strip, and will not take back unused portion also.

    The problem narrated in this thread occurs specially to people who are the beneficiaries like the one mentioned in the thread. For other general people who make ready payment and not getting reimbursements, the most beneficial is the 'Janaushadhi" by Govt of India, where the medicines are sold in their generic names and are costing just a fraction of the equivalent branded ones.

  • #769398

    Points:1
    I have carefully read all the responses and mentally noted the suggestions. I will definitely try to find a nearby medicine bank and deposit the partially-used medicines there. In case the name can't be read properly, I will put these in an envelope and write the name of the medicine on the envelope.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #769410

      

    Points:1
    That's wise of you, Partha,that you have chosen to go by the opinions of our members. Glad that you have been enlightened.


    Can this thread be locked now?
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #769416

      

    Points:4
    I would like to ask Saji with reference to response #769376 - it is not a matter of not questioning. You say we should ask for their license. Really, is that threat necessary? Is there any official directive that the pharmacist must give as per the requirement of the customer? You mentioned a tablet for a cold and, as Venkiteswaran rightly pointed out, such tablets they may be willing to give. In fact, I have seen a pharmacist handing over just two tablets for a fever to a customer who could not afford to purchase any. No pharmacist will break up strips of tablets to oblige a customer and I have experienced this in multiple chemist shops, not just one.

    By the way, I wonder if a Jan Aushadhi shop gives just a few tablets and not the whole strip?
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #769417

      

    Points:4
    Partha,

    I have a suggestion. You could write to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India and/or the Health Ministry and request them if there is a possibility of directing pharma companies to make medicines in smaller quantities, such as in strips of two, four, and six, for the convenience of patients. You could say that it is highly beneficial as (a) it does not go to waste; (b) it will prevent people from taking excess just to finish the lot; and (c) a fewer number in a strip can make it more affordable and only if prescribed by the physician, it can be bought again.
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #769420

    Points:1
    #769417: I find this is a good suggestion and will try to follow it.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #769435

    Points:2
    It is good to 1) have the glucose test when the using strip nearing to one and go for revision with doctor.2) have a good rapport with local pharmacy person who may accept the part medicines. 3) you can handover to the nearest small hospital without demanding money.

  • #769653

      

    Points:6 (₹ 4)

    #769416, Ma'am, there is a policy as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act which says that medicines should be sold as per prescription/ requirement only. This makes it clear that chemists cannot force one to buy strips of medicines only. When I said that we should ask their licence number, what I meant was that we should question them.

    Another side to the story is that chemists have started refusing to sell loose tablets due to two reasons. One is that the pharmaceutical companies have reportedly started refusing to take back unsold medicines, especially partially sold ones. The second reason is that some chemist's shops were found to be selling expired medicines (since the date of expiry was not visible due to the cutting of the strip) and their licences were suspended. So they started forcing the public to buy strips citing the raids as a reason.

    So, the rule says one thing and the chemists are taking a turn citing different reasons. What we, as customers, must do is to inform the authorities and request them to take proper action.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle


    • This thread is locked for new responses. Please post your comments and questions as a separate thread.
    If required, refer to the URL of this page in your new post.
    Submit New Thread
    Return to Return to Discussion Forum

    Top Contributors

    Today
      Last 7 Days

        more...

        About IndiaStudyChannel.com

        Being the most popular educational website in India, we believe in providing quality content to our readers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any content published here, feel free to contact us using the Contact link below.

        GENERAL
        STUDY ABROAD
        EDUCATION

        Promoted by: SpiderWorks Technologies, Kochi - India. ©