Case Studies

The Challenge

Several states have passed legislation making it unlawful for patients to discard used sharps such as needles or other injection devices into their home-municipal trash. Still other states have passed legislation requiring manufacturers of home-use syringes and medications used by self-injectors to create plans as to how proper disposal of syringes used with these medications will be relayed to patients.

An injectable drug manufacturer covers multiple pharmaceutical brands, multiple patient support programs and a variety of injection devices designed to be used by a home-injecting patient. Additionally, the franchise includes both newly approved/launched therapies as well as therapies in a more mature stage of their product life cycle.

The Solution

Sharps has been working with pharmaceutical manufacturers on a comprehensive sharps mailback program for their patients since 2006. Through the Patient Services call center or online support, patients may learn about and request a mailable solution for proper containment, safe return and treatment of used needles, syringes, and other injection devices associated with therapy. The Sharps Recovery Systems combined with Sharps customer vendor managed inventory and fulfillment capabilities are integral components to the success of a patient support program.

Sharps is able to customize patient support programs including the following features:


• Container color
• Lid design
• Primary or secondary labeling (dosing reminders are very effective as secondary labels)
• Hang tags or welcome letters
• Instructions for use
• Inserts such as Full Prescribing Information or Medication Guides
• Labels or inserts with Patient Support Services information, telephone numbers, websites, etc

The Result

The pharmaceutical manufacturer not only protects the patient, their family and community from exposure and accidental needle sticks but also implements a program that provides compliance with all state laws (as well as EPA guidance) regarding the proper disposal of medical waste.