Hep C Discussion Forum

Tig56 wrote:

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Hey Huey, 

 I've been told by different agencies that city utilities don't even want us flushing them anymore for fear of contaminating the ground water supply. Kind of makes you shudder to think of what they're doing with some of that waste water!

Tig

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The process starts via a machine called an 'off-all' to separate the large solids, cough, cough,, and ends with chemical treatment and the water looks, feels, taste just like what comes out of your kitchen sink faucet because that's what it is. Ask me why I drink decaf tea that I boil a gallon at a time rather than drinking water. And I boil all the water I use to fill my freezer ice trays too.

hepcinbama wrote:

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 what do I do with these extra meds id hate to flush them

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 This is true Myke about not flushing them. City supply water for drinking etc is processed through filters to remove foreign solid matter down to microscopic levels and it is also treated with certain chemicals to kill unwanted biological contaminants but there is really no completely sufficient way of removing some of the chemicals contained in many pharmaceuticals. I've work as machinery mechanic/electrician for a major pharmaceutical corp (chemical company) and, on occasion, had to wear a whole-body HAZMAT garment, SCBA oxygen supply, and radiation shielding in order to go into a machine to preform repairs. Some of these life saving meds go though stages during the creation process that can be very deadly. If the finished product is accidentally introduced into an environment that can alter it's stability then it can again become very deadly to some degree in certain circumstances.

 These life saving meds are certainly invaluable for saving lives, but there is no telling what negative ramifications may occur to future generations if we keep contaminating the ground water on our only home, Earth, via irresponsible waste management. JMO My local waste management facility disposed of ~150 old HIV, psychiatric and pain meds for me for free / no paperwork needed.

 PS: I remember reading that you live in Bham from your very first thread. I lived in Bham from 1962-71 (2-11 years old) and again in 94-95. I remember in the 60's when that city was so polluted that you could not see the city from the Vulcan statue on top of Red Mountain due to smog from all the steel mills. When I moved back there in 94 I knew not to drink the water because of what I remembered from the 60's, and I also noticed most people there drink bottled water only.

 I agree that a recycle / meds for the needy program would be an excellent resource, but I have no idea about where to get any information for anything like this.

i think the left over meds are the concern of the nurse that the pharm gave you, The phone nurse.  Call that nurse and tell her about the LO meds, They need to know this to correct the problem, and if you do not need the meds I think that it is the property of the pharm anyway so let them decide what to do with them, just my thoughts.

We are all in this together keep your stick on the ice 'Red Green Show'

Hi Myke,

I understand what you're saying and wish there was an outlet or procedure for sharing these life saving drugs with people that are less fortunate than others. Unfortunately that hasn't been worked out yet. Hopefully when they figure out how to adequately insure the world, equally and properly, they'll also include a way to legally share left over medication. I'm hopeful we'll see some improvements in my lifetime, but I'm not holding my breath for an overnight solution. But that doesn't mean we stop hoping and trying to make things right. I appreciate your desire to help and like you, will hope we can find a way to make your wish happen sooner than later! Good luck...

Tig

Hey Myke,

I'm glad to hear you're done with Tx! Let us know more about it. I know how special those two drugs are and I wouldn't want to take them again either! As far as your extra meds, check with your doctor and see if they will take them. Some areas have community storage and drug assistance programs to distribute drugs in emergencies. Some pharmacies will take them back as well. It's unfortunate to see these expensive and valuable medications without a home. We know how many people could benefit from them but aren't able to provide any more recommendations than that. 

Let us know how things are going with you. Post your EOT viral load when you know. We'd love to share your good news! Good luck...

Tig