Waste Medicines – Only Order What You Need

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Every year, millions of pounds are wasted on medicines that are ordered but never used. This money could be spent on other important parts of the NHS, like doctors, nurses, and hospital care. By ordering only the medicines you really need, you can help save money and protect the environment.

Why medicine waste matters

• Stay Well: Unused medicines expire and may not work as intended. Keeping large stocks at home can also make shortages worse.
• Stay Safe: Big stocks of medicines at home can be dangerous for children and pets. Medicines are prescribed for you alone and should never be shared.
• Stay Green: The best way to dispose of medicines is to return them to your pharmacy. This prevents medicines from polluting rivers and seas. Once medicines leave the pharmacy, they cannot be recycled or reused.

How waste happens

• Ordering repeat prescriptions when you already have enough at home.
• Forgetting to take medicines and letting them expire.
• Stopping a medicine but still collecting it because the prescription wasn’t updated.

What you can do

• Check before you order: Look at what you already have at home.
• Only order what you need: If you don’t need a medicine this month, don’t order it.
• Talk to your GP or pharmacist: If your medicines have changed, let them know so they can update your prescription.
• Return unused medicines safely: Take them back to the pharmacy. Never throw them in the bin or flush them down the toilet.
• Check your prescription bag before leaving the pharmacy: Make sure you only have what you need and nothing extra. If you return an item before leaving, it can be reused.

Your medicines and hospitals

Always keep a list of your medicines, doses, and how you take them in your wallet or purse. If you know you’re going into hospital, take all your medicines with you. This ensures staff have a complete record of your treatment, avoids duplication, and speeds up your care.

When it’s time to go home, ask if any changes have been made to your medicines and take home everything that’s still suitable.

Small changes, big difference

If everyone ordered only the medicines they needed, the NHS could save millions of pounds each year. That money could be used for more doctors, nurses, and better care for patients.

By being careful with prescriptions, you are helping both your community and the planet.