Medicine wastage is a serious and growing problem within the NHS. Sometimes patients or carers ask for repeat prescriptions when they do not use them or need them, stock piling them in their homes for ‘just in case’. Unused prescription medicines cost the Somerset PCT £2 million pounds every year!
Unused medicines can not be recycled. Even if you never open them. Once medicines have been labeled and left the dispensary they cannot be recycled or used by anyone else.
How can YOU help?
- Only order what you need
- Let your GP know if you have stopped taking any of your medicines
- Check your stocks at home before re-ordering
- Remember your medicines are prescribed for you, it is not safe to share them
