Despite Overdose Rates, Some Drug Companies Still Oppose State Prescription Drug Programs

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on January 27, 2012

Washington state loses more residents each year to prescription drug overdoses or misuse than it does to traffic accidents. Yet, according to a recent article at Crosscut, many pharmaceutical companies still oppose the state legislature’s attempts to set up an unused prescription medication “take-back” program that would give people a safe place to dispose of prescriptions, instead of exposing them to possible misuse or abuse.

The proposed program would require pharmaceutical companies to pay a small fee to run a statewide prescription medication disposal program. Researchers estimate that some 33 million bottles of prescription medications – nearly one-third of all medication prescribed in Washington each year – go unused. However, some pharmaceutical companies oppose the measure, saying that it unnecessarily duplicates a similar federal program and that it simply isn’t necessary.

When not properly disposed of, these prescriptions can wind up polluting water systems and other natural resources. Worse, they can wind up in the hands of children, mixed inappropriately with other medications, or used past their expiration date – all of which can cause serious injuries or even death.

Prescription drug misuse can have serious consequences, and it may not be obvious what has happened until symptoms start to appear. Malpractice in prescribing or giving medications, or in filling prescriptions, can all cause serious injuries. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our dedicated Seattle personal injury lawyers fight for compensation on behalf of each of our clients, so that they can focus on getting well and returning to the jobs and hobbies they enjoy. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free and confidential consultation.