The Needs and Opportunities for Medication Disposal Programs

Abstract

The continued increase in the usage of medications has led to a variety of negative consequences, including adverse effects on our environment and an increase in misuse/abuse of these products. Improper disposal of unused medications results in significant effects to wildlife and the potential to adversely affect human cells. Increases in misuse/abuse have resulted in significant increases in emergency department visits for drug-related issues. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Education of both health care providers and the general public about these issues and the proper disposal of unused medications is crucial.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude trends towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the community members, pharmacists/pharmacy owners and physicians in district Sialkot, Pakistan

“…Three-fourth of the pharmacists and pharmacy owners recognized the need for the RUM programs. In many developed countries like USA, Australia, England etc., RUM programs exists for the safe return of antibiotics and other drugs [35, 38, 39]. A similar system should be introduced in Pakistan under the supervision of the government agencies which will direct the pharmacies to advertise and guide the return of unwanted medicines.…”

Disposal practices for unused and expired medications: pilot data from three cities in three countries

“…There is evidence to show that improper disposal of unused and expired medications results in significant increase in medication abuse and misuse resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. In addition to adversely affecting human health, the practice of improper disposal poses acute exposure risks to wildlife through contamination of the environment [ 1 ].…”

Health-Care professionals' knowledge and practice regarding disposal of medicines in primary health-care facilities in South Africa: Impact and implications

“…Disposing medicines into municipal sewage systems result in trace amounts of these medicines in wastewaters and decontaminated water for drinking,[ 10 ] which hinders the effectiveness of water purification chemicals. [ 11 12 13 ] Furthermore, burying medicines underground may lead to leaching into underground water. [ 11 14 15 ] Pomati et al .…”

“…[ 11 12 13 ] Furthermore, burying medicines underground may lead to leaching into underground water. [ 11 14 15 ] Pomati et al . reported that wastewater medicines affected human cell proliferation of the embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 by 40% in humans during in vitro studies.…”