Oncology Drug Repository Program
What is the drug repository program?
At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, we offer a variety of pharmacy services to help support a patient’s medication needs and ensure access to affordable, high-value cancer care. Our drug repository program allows us to safely collect and redistribute unused medications to patients who need them.
Donating unused medications can help reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment and minimize environmental impact by disposing medications safely. Below, you will find answers to common questions to help you decide if your medications are eligible for donation and learn more about who qualifies to receive medications through this program.
Have Questions?
Call us: 440-844-3394
Email us at: UHOncologyDrugRepositoryProgram@UHhospitals.org
Common Questions and Answers
- What medications are accepted?
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We can only accept oral medications used to treat cancer, side effects of cancer, or side effects from cancer treatments. The medication must still be in its original packaging (bottle, vial, or box) and clearly labeled.
We cannot accept medications that need to be refrigerated, controlled substances, drug samples, compounded medications, or drugs that require special storage or handling. If you are not sure whether your medication can be donated, please contact us for more information.
- Who can donate medications?
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Anyone can donate eligible medications if they are no longer taking them. You can also donate medications no longer needed by a loved one or if they have passed away.
If you are interested in donating any unused medications in the future, please contact us to receive a donation form.
- What if I am not a UH patient but want to donate medication?
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Anyone can donate eligible medications, no matter where they receive cancer care. To make the donation process easier, we recommend contacting us for more information and assistance.
- Where should I go to donate?
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If you are a UH patient currently seeing an oncology provider: You can bring your medications to your next clinic appointment. A pharmacist will review them to make sure they can be safely reused.
If you are not a UH patient or no longer receive oncology care at UH: You can still donate your medications in person at our Cleveland Medical Center, please contact us to set up the donation.
- Do I have to fill anything out to donate?
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The Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires donors to sign a form that confirms you are the owner of the medication and that you are voluntarily donating it to our program. Rest assured, your identity and personal health information are protected throughout the donation process.
- How do patients qualify to receive medications from the Oncology Drug Repository Program?
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To qualify for help from the Oncology Drug Repository Program, you must:
- Be a resident of the state of Ohio
- Get cancer treatment at a University Hospitals (UH) location
- Have no insurance or not enough insurance to cover the cost of your medication
- Have a valid prescription for a medication that the program has a supply of, sent to the UH Specialty Pharmacy
- Fill out and return the program forms, understand and acknowledge the risks of using donated medicine, and agree to take part in the program
Contact us at 440-844-3394 for more information on program participation.
- What happens after my donation?
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Once the pharmacist accepts your donation and you complete the attestation form, your donation is complete. If you decide to donate any other eligible medications in the future, you can do so again. If you are interested in donating unused medications in the future, please contact us to receive a donation form.