New law allows unused prescription drugs to be returned

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The state Pharmacy Board is getting ready for a new law that allows people to return leftover prescription drugs to their pharmacists.

It takes effect next month.

It won't affect loose pills in bottles, or drugs that are expired. But it will affect pills and syringes in sealed blister packs, as well as pills in a manufacturer's bottle with its under-cap seal intact, and vials of injectable drugs with the cap still intact.

Deb Knuth of North Dakota's American Cancer Society pushed for the law. She says cancer drugs sometimes are left over because a patient may find they cause a reaction.

Knuth says expensive drugs for cancer treatment sometimes are wasted when they could help others.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-12-07 0854CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list