Comparing the cost, glycaemic control and medication adherence of utilizing patients' own medicines (POMs) versus usual dispensing among diabetic patients in an outpatient setting.

Background: Millions worth of unused drugs particularly those indicated for chronic diseases such as diabetes were returned and disposed leading to substantial wastage. Use of patients' own medications (POMs) in the inpatient setting has reduced wastage and saved cost. The impact of utilizing POMs in the outpatient setting has hitherto not been determined.