Pharmaceutical Waste Reduction Strategies
Use alternate packaging
Specialty packaging for drugs which are not often used are replaced with an alternative packaging, which both allows for proper administration of the drug and the flexibility to use that drug elsewhere if needed before expiration.
Reduces Amount: YesReduces Toxicity: No
Examples of Applying this Strategy
| Generic Drug: Epinephrine
Hennepin County Medical Center replaced specialty epinephrine intracardiac syringes with a more commonly used 100 (mcg/ml) syringe and an 18-gauge, 3 inch needle. This change eliminated 13 pounds of hazardous waste per year and 7.5 pounds of dual waste per year, amounting to $900. Proprietary Drug(s): Epinephrine For more information: http://www.mntap.umn.edu/health/resources/94FS.PharmWaste.pdf MnTAP |
PVC-free IV bags weigh one-third less than those made of PVC bags. At one healthcare facility, switching to PVC-free IV bags was estimated to save $165 per drum. For more information: http://www.mntap.umn.edu/health/resources/94FS.PharmWaste.pdf MnTAP |
