Dr. George Wang is co-founder of SIRUM, where he leads the organization's efforts to save medicine. At SIRUM, George has built strong partnerships with major medicine donors, including hospitals, pharmacies, manufacturers, and nursing homes, while also informing and shaping medicine donation laws.

Dr. George Wang 

Billions of dollars of cancer meds go to waste each year while many patients struggle to afford treatment: © stock.adobe.com.

When a breast cancer patient received her prescription for her oncology medication, she experienced a variety of side effects that made it difficult to continue on that dosage. Her doctor changed her dosage and provided a new prescription, but she was left with a blister pack of tablets she had not taken. Knowing how expensive those medications were, she realized the waste that had just occurred.

Meanwhile, another patient, Anne*, had been undergoing treatment for her breast cancer but was heading towards an unsustainable path: she could not afford the medication she needed to survive and had no other options.

“The doctors said it was very important that I continue to receive treatment… There was concern that if I did not take my medicine, the cancer could come back. [But] my medicine was too difficult to afford. My doctors and I had to fight and wait… I did not have any other option. It was a stressful time.”

This situation reflects a broader, systemic issue in oncology care: there is often so much unused surplus, and yet there is so much need. An estimated $2 billion worth of oncology medication gets wasted every year. Cancer patients regularly have extra medicine from prescription changes, adverse reactions, recovery, or other circumstances.

Most of this surplus is currently going to waste, either being disposed of or remaining in the hands of an individual until it expires. No satisfactory disposal method exists, and compounds from oncology drugs are increasingly found in water sources, including drinking water. These compounds are harmful to the environment and living organisms, and there is no sufficient method to remove the contamination, allowing uncontrolled spread.

Meanwhile, 61% of cancer patients and survivors find it difficult to afford their care. Financial hardship prevents many low-income patients from accessing the medications they need, leading them to cut doses, delay medications, or skip prescriptions entirely. Financial toxicity affects all parts of a patient’s life, beyond just their cancer care.

Fortunately, an alternative exists. SIRUM is a nonprofit expanding healthcare access for families in need by leveraging the $11 billion of surplus medicine wasted every year. Under Good Samaritan drug laws, we help collect unopened, unexpired medications from medicine donors and provide them to patients via a network of community partners. Through our individual donation platform alone, we’ve been able to help patients donate millions of dollars worth of medications, including expensive specialty and oncology drugs.

Donating medicine can be deeply rewarding. Patients are motivated by the opportunity to support others facing similar challenges, and families find solace in being able to donate their loved one’s medications, paying it forward in their memory.

“I can’t describe the pleasure and satisfaction I am getting from being able to pass on this extremely expensive, yet unused medication,” one donor told us.

Just spreading the word about medicine donation programs can make a big difference. The next time you or someone you know has extra cancer meds, visit sirum.org/oncology. You can receive a free shipping label to send your medications to be redistributed to someone in need.

Ultimately, Anne was able to receive her life-sustaining medication through SIRUM’s network.

“To the people who donated this medication, I wish them a life full of blessings. I thank them for their solidarity and I hope God protects them. I am grateful they helped me.”

By doing our part, we not only reduce waste but also bring relief to others during challenging times.

*Editor’s note: The patients name has been changed to anonymize this individual

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Articles

The narrative highlights the dual issues of medication waste and financial hardship in oncology care. Annually, $2 billion worth of oncology drugs are wasted, while 61% of cancer patients struggle to afford their treatment. SIRUM, a nonprofit, addresses this by redistributing surplus medications to those in need, leveraging Good Samaritan drug laws. This initiative not only reduces waste but also provides essential medications to financially burdened patients. The program encourages donations, offering a meaningful way for individuals to support others facing similar challenges.

Billions of dollars of cancer meds go to waste each year while many patients struggle to afford treatment; donating surplus medicine helps bridge this gap.

Dr. George Wang

Save Meds, Save Lives: How to Donate Your Extra Cancer Medication

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