E-DRUG: expired drug donations? (cont.)
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Dear E-druggers
I have been informed that our paper has caused a stir. I do not have
access to the net, but have been supplied with one response.
Dartnell and Snell's response to our article "Stability of some
commercial solid dosage forms beyond their expiration dates" (PJ, May
3, 1997) was to be expected. We are certainly not advocating
disregard for National laws nor were we seeking to undermine National
Drug Policies and Essential Drugs Programs.
However our study does provide evidence (although apparently unwanted)
that some solid state pharmaceuticals show no sign of decomposition at
their registered shelf life. Our recommendations were based on this
scientific evidence. We believe the reasons these medicines are not
used beyond their expiry date in the donor community are well known;
based on economics and liability. Our paper seeks to readdress the
issue on a scientific basis. Many Drs, nurses and pharmacists that
have worked for a number of years in countries with inadequate
pharmaceutical infrastructures can give anecdotal evidence that drug
donations (waste) from reputable AID organizations has brought great
benefit to the "victims", often including themselves.
We would add that our recommendations on additional packaging against
mositure permeability should apply equaly to new products and those
near their expiry date.
It is evident that this is an emotive, ethical issue. We trust that
the scientific validity of our paper is not overlooked by those who
legislate.
Geoff Stark, MPharm, MPS
Kalene Hospital
P O Box 10 Ilelengi
NWP
Zambia.
Email: 100254.2677@compuserve.com
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