Pharmaceutical Waste Reduction Strategies
Use trial sizes for initial prescriptions
For patients starting new prescriptions, a trial size is issued initially, which can be filled later in full, especially for medications with high rates of discontinuation.
Reduces Amount: YesReduces Toxicity: No
Examples of Applying this Strategy
The Center for Environmental Information recommends that medications with a high incidence of side effects be initially dispensed in a trial size of 7 to 14 day supplies. For more information: Center for Environmental Information |
MaineCare has been using an initial prescription limitation policy since August 2009, limiting initial prescriptions to 15-day supplies for a list of over 60 drugs kept by the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information: The Product Stewardship Institute |
