Reducing Medication Waste

The NHS in Suffolk and north east Essex has kicked off a new campaign to reduce the amount of unused medicines that are thrown away. Each year across the UK unused medicine costs the NHS around £300 million, with an estimated £110 million worth of medicine returned to pharmacies and a further £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines being stored in homes.

Whilst it can sometimes be useful to keep spare stock of medicines for those "just in case" moments, its recommended that you only have a maximum of one months’ supply at home. This means that if any medicines are changed or stopped, the amount that is wasted will be reduced. Any unused dispensed medicines returned to the pharmacy cannot be reissued to other patients even if they are unopened, due to safety issues.

Before ordering any more of your medication, check the stock levels you already have at home, order only medicines that are needed and avoid stockpiling, which will also in turn help with any medication shortages.

Don't tick the box for repeat medication if you do not need it. Even if you don’t order a medicine one month, it will still appear on your repeat prescription next time and will not just disappear! If anyone orders your medicines on your behalf, make sure that they know what medicines you require each month.

If your repeat medication needs updating, speak to your GP practice - never order medicines that you no longer require. Having regular discussions with your pharmacist and GP will mean you get the right help with taking your medicines.

If you do have any unwanted medicines that you are no longer taking or need, you can return them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.