Did you know that £300 million of NHS taxpayers' money is spent every year on unused medicines that are thrown away?
Over £150 million can be saved by preventing medicines waste. That could pay for 53 million extra prescriptions of medicines to help prevent heart attack and strokes.
Medicines waste can be reduced if we all:
- Open prescription bags in the pharmacy.
If your bag contains unwanted medicines you can return them to the pharmacist, then and there. You can only do this before you leave the pharmacy.
Remember, 'don't tick it if you don't need it'. Only tick the items you need on your repeat prescription. The items will not be removed from your repeat prescription.
- Talk about our medicines.
You can ask your pharmacist to book you a review or ask your GP practice to book you an appointment with their practice pharmacist.
Everyone has part to play to reduce medicines waste.