Wasted or unused medicines are a serious problem for the NHS. High numbers of wasted medicine items have a negative impact on the environment, costs money and can lead to poor patient outcomes.
Wasted medicine is a problem for several reasons:
- Unused medicines cost the NHS money which could be used to fund services.
- Stockpiling medicines at home is unsafe. You might accidentally take medication that is out-of-date or children or pets may find them and take them.
- It can impact the environment if medicines aren’t disposed of properly, because they can pollute our rivers and seas.
NHS Greater Manchester is asking patients to make small changes to help reduce the number of medicines being wasted.
Only order what you need
- Check what medicines you have at home before you order your repeat prescriptions. If you have enough, only request the medicines you need this time. You will still be able to order others again in the future.
- The best way to order your repeat prescription is through the NHS app. It puts you in control and allows you to only select the medicine you need. It’s also quick and easy and means no more unnecessary trips or phone calls to your GP practice. You can download the NHS app through Apple Store or Google Play.
Check your prescription bag
- Before leaving the pharmacy make sure that you only have what you need and that there’s nothing extra in there. If you return an item before you leave the pharmacy, the medicines can still be used by someone else.
Take your medicines to hospital with you
- Always keep a current list of your medicines with you, for example in your wallet or purse or on your phone on the NHS App.
- If you know you’re going into hospital, take all your medicines with you. This means that the hospital won’t need to dispense more of the same medication and your medicines will be available to take when you need them.
- When it’s time to go home take the right medicines with you. Ask staff if you can be referred to your community pharmacy for support with your medication when you leave hospital.
Tell your pharmacist if your medication is no longer right for you
- Let your pharmacy team know if you’ve stopped taking any of your medicines or if they’re no longer right for you. This is not a problem, and in fact, means the team will be able to improve your healthcare.
Help the NHS in Greater Manchester and play your part in reducing medicines waste.
