Prescription Drug Donation Program

The Prescription Drug Donation Program allows people to donate certain prescription drugs they would normally discard to participating providers. Also, individuals who normally could not get these medications can receive them from participating providers. The Department of State Health Services’ Pharmacy Branch is the administrator for the program and does not accept nor dispense donated prescription drugs at its warehouse.

Health and Safety Code 442 governs the Prescription Drug Donation Program. 

Prescription Drug Donation Program Participating Providers

Prescription Drug Donation Program Participating Provider Database

Prescription Drug Donation Program

All donated drugs must:

  • Have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
  • Be dispensed only by prescription.
  • Bear the federal legend "Rx Only" or "Caution: Federal Law Prohibits Dispensing Without Prescription."
  • Remain packaged in the original sealed, unit-dose packages, such as blister-cards.
  • Be intended for human use. 

A prescription drug cannot be donated if:

  • It is a controlled substance.
  • You did not store it in compliance with its product label.
  • It requires storage temperatures other than normal room temperature. This includes drugs that require refrigeration.
  • The Food and Drug Administration requires it to have a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.
  • It was altered (e.g., changes to the substance) without authorization.
  • It is misbranded (e.g., false label statements) or previously purchased by Medicaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prescription Drug Donation Program Frequently Asked Questions

Acceptable Medications for Donation

Unit does medication packMedication blister packMedication blister pack
Unit DoseUnit DoseMedication Blister PackMedication Blister
Pack

Medications Not Acceptable for Donation

Prescription bottles without labelsPrescription bottles with labelsRefrigerated medications"Controlled substance medications
No LabelsPrescription
Bottles
Refrigerated 
Medications
Controlled
Medications

Prescription Drug Donation Program Required Forms


For questions, comments, or concerns, please call (512) 776-7500 or email rxdrugdonation@dshs.texas.gov.