Every pound spent on wasted medicines is a pound less than can be spent on delivering NHS services to patients.
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, alongside local GP practices and pharmacies, are encouraging people to only order what they need to help reduce medicines waste.
Why does medicines waste happen?
Medicines waste can happen if you are not taking a medicine as it has been prescribed, or if you’re still ordering a medicine you are no longer taking.
You may often also have extra supplies of medicines sitting at home in cupboards and have more than you need, which can lead to medicines going out of date before you can use them.
You or a carer might not double check your prescription bag when you collect your medicines. Once medicines leave the pharmacy, they cannot be reused.
Everyone has a part to play in reducing medicines waste. If you take regular medicines, you can help by:
Planning ahead – make a note in your calendar before your prescription due date to go through your medicines and see what you need.
Keep track of what medicine you’re taking – don’t continue to order medicines you are no longer taking or where you already have lots at home.
Only order the medicines you need – when putting in your next medicine order, look at what you currently have available and only order what you need.
Check your medicine before you leave the pharmacy – make sure you only have the medicines you need. Anything that leaves the pharmacy cannot be reused.
Review your medicines at your GP practice or pharmacy – if you’re not taking your medicine as prescribed, contact your GP or pharmacy for a medicine review.
If you work in health and care there are lots of resources available on FutureNHS to help encourage other people to reduce medicines waste in your area.
