Pharmaceutical Waste Reduction Strategies
Minimize size of containers
Higher volume containers of medication are replaced with smaller containers to avoid waste from partial use, where appropriate.
Reduces Amount: YesReduces Toxicity: No
Pharmaceutical Waste Reduction Strategies
Minimize size of containers
Higher volume containers of medication are replaced with smaller containers to avoid waste from partial use, where appropriate.
Reduces Amount: YesExamples of Applying this Strategy
| Generic Drug: Propofol
In a 2012 study of eight operating rooms, propofol was found to be the most commonly wasted drug. 50mL and 100mL containers of propofol were removed and replaced with the smaller 20mL size vials. The study reported reduced waste from 29.2 mL/day/bin to 2.8 mL/day/bin. Proprietary Drug(s): Diprivan, Propofol, Propoven For more information: Russell F. Mankes, PhD. |
| Generic Drug: Agatroban
In a 20 patient study at the University of Michigan Hospitals, use of 50 mg/50 mL and 125 mg/125 mL argatroban products reduced drug waste resulting in projected cost savings to 1% and 2%, respectively, compared to that of the 250 mg/250 mL product. Proprietary Drug(s): Agatroban For more information: Jennifer Lose, PharmD, BCPS |
| Generic Drug: Balanced Salt Solution
Surgery centers should consider purchasing the smallest containers of BSS which will suffice for a given procedure. Proprietary Drug(s): BSS, Balanced Salt
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| Generic Drug: Dextrose
Hennepin County Medical Center found that two sizes of glutose gel were being ordered, 15 gram for crash boxes and 45 gram for diabetics, although only 30 grams is recommended by the facility's diabetics committee. Purchasing only the 15 gram size tubes saves the facility $345 annually. Proprietary Drug(s): Glutose For more information: http://www.mntap.umn.edu/health/resources/94FS.PharmWaste.pdf MnTAP |
| Generic Drug: Epinephrine
The pharmacy and surgery center in a Missouri health care facility have worked with physicians to reduce the bottle sizes of epinephrine from 500 ml to 250 ml per procedure. Proprietary Drug(s): Epinephrine
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| Generic Drug: Iodine povacrylex/Isopropyl alcohol
The University of Minnesota Medical Center - Fairview case study suggested switching from 26 ml sizes of Duraprep to the 10 ml size where appropriate Proprietary Drug(s): Duraprep, Duraprep For more information: A.J. Van den Berghe |
| Generic Drug: Nitroglycerin
Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota reduced the size of the nitroglycerin bottle in their crash boxes from 100-count to 25-count. Proprietary Drug(s): Nitroglycerin, Nitrostat For more information: Healthcare Environmental Resource Center |
Daughton, Christian G. Cradle-to-Cradle Stewardship of Drugs for Minimizing Their Environmental Disposition While Promoting Human Health. I. Rationale for and Avenues toward a Green Pharmacy. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 May; 111(5):757¿774. http://www.epa.gov/esd/bios/daughton/green1.pdf)
