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An estimated 10 percent of repeat prescriptions are wasted
02/10/2024
Our local health region spends £22n on medicines every year
An estimated 10 percent of repeat prescription medications end up being disposed of as they are not required by the patient.
This wastage could equal around £1.6m of the £22m our health region spends on medicines.
Local NHS teams across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West are urging us to take greater care when managing our repeat prescriptions and ask that we order only the medications we truly need.
Approximately 75 percent of all prescriptions dispensed nationally are for repeat medications.
By carefully checking existing supplies before ordering a repeat prescription, patients can help reduce medicine waste and avoid stockpiling, which can contribute to shortages.
Proper disposal of expired medications is also crucial for environmental protection.
Many people mistakenly dispose of excess medicine by throwing it in household waste or flushing it down the sink, which can harm the environment. Additionally using out-of-date medication can be ineffective or even harmful.
Local pharmacist, Nabeela Ali, said: “I encourage open discussions with patients about their repeat prescriptions, ensuring they only have the medicines they need.
“I advise patients to check their medicine cabinet before placing an order. It’s heartening to see more people being mindful of their prescriptions and disposing of expired medicines at their local pharmacy.
“This approach ensures people remain healthy by using the right or ‘in date’ medicines, while helping prevent unnecessary stockpiling. Ordering too much medication not only increases the risk of shortages for those who need it, but stockpiling can also be dangerous, especially in homes with children or pets.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam