Where to Donate Unused Insulin, Ozempic, or Other Medication
You can't sell leftover insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or any other prescription medication — and we don't buy it. But it doesn't have to just sit in a drawer. Here's where it can actually go to someone who needs it.
Why we can't buy it
Insulin, Ozempic, and other prescription medications aren't over-the-counter devices — individuals can't legally resell prescription drugs, full stop. It's also genuinely unsafe to buy them secondhand: the FDA has seized counterfeit Ozempic distributed outside the authorized supply chain, including counterfeit needles whose sterility couldn't be confirmed. No legitimate buyer takes this on, and neither do we. More on what is and isn't legal to sell.
Where it can go instead
Real, named programs — not just "ask your pharmacy."
Ohio's drug donation program
A 2024 state law (HB 558) lets individuals donate unexpired medication directly to a participating charitable pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic, which redistributes it to uninsured and low-income Ohioans. Controlled substances are excluded, with narrow exceptions. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy keeps the current list of participating repositories — that's the one to check, since which locations participate changes.
Beacon Charitable Pharmacy (Canton)
One of only three charitable pharmacies in Ohio, and a working example of the program above in practice — they take unexpired medication left over from a prescription change or a loved one's passing and redistribute it to low-income patients in Stark and Carroll counties. Worth a call even if you're in Cleveland; they can usually point you to something closer.
Cuyahoga County resources
Cuyahoga County's recycling program keeps a page on medication donation and disposal specifically for local residents — a practical starting point if you're in or around Cleveland and don't already know a participating pharmacy.
National donation programs
SIRUM and SafeNetRx are nonprofits built specifically to redistribute unused, unexpired, unopened medication to clinics and pharmacies serving patients who can't afford it — useful if nothing local pans out, or if you'd rather mail it than deliver it in person.
Donation vs. disposal — not the same thing
Donation is for medication that's still good — unexpired, ideally still sealed — and it goes to someone who'll actually use it. Disposal (a pharmacy take-back box at CVS or Walgreens, or a county hazardous-waste drop-off) is for anything expired, opened, or a controlled substance, and it gets destroyed rather than redistributed. Sort by whether it's still usable before you pick one.
While you're clearing out that drawer
Switching from strips to a CGM, changing insulin regimens, or sorting through a family member's supplies almost never turns up just medication — test strips, CGM sensors, pump supplies, and sealed pen needles usually come along with it. Unlike the medication itself, those are legal to sell, and often worth real money if they're sealed and not close to expiring. See what yours might be worth — or just text a photo of whatever else is in there. Free to check either way.
Common questions
Can I sell unused Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or insulin?
No, and we don't buy any of it. These are prescription medications, not over-the-counter devices, and individuals can't legally resell prescription drugs. It's also genuinely unsafe to buy them secondhand — the FDA has seized counterfeit Ozempic distributed outside the authorized supply chain, including counterfeit needles whose sterility couldn't be verified.
Where can I donate unused insulin or Ozempic in Ohio?
A 2024 Ohio law lets you donate unexpired medication directly to a participating charitable pharmacy, hospital, or nonprofit clinic, which redistributes it to uninsured and low-income patients. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy maintains the current list of participating locations. Beacon Charitable Pharmacy in Canton is one working example.
What's the difference between donating and disposing of medication?
Donation redistributes medication that's still usable — unexpired, ideally still sealed — to someone who needs it. Disposal (pharmacy take-back boxes at CVS, Walgreens, or a county hazardous-waste program) is for anything expired, opened, or otherwise no longer usable, and destroys it instead of redistributing it. Sort by whether it's still good before picking one.
Can I donate controlled substances or opioids?
Generally no — Ohio's drug repository program excludes controlled substances from individual donation, with narrow exceptions for certain long-acting medications used in opioid addiction treatment. Those go through a take-back or disposal program instead, not donation.
I have old test strips or sensors too — can you buy those?
Likely yes. People clearing out a medication drawer after switching treatments or losing a family member usually have testing supplies in the same place, and unlike the medication itself, those are legal to sell and often worth real money if they're sealed and not close to expiring.
General information, not medical or legal advice. Program eligibility, participating locations, and accepted medications change — call ahead to confirm current details before you make a trip. We have no affiliation with any organization named on this page.