Have you or a family member stopped taking a medicine which is still being prescribed?

Once you collect your medicines from the pharmacy, they can’t be recycled or re-used – even if the packaging is intact or in a sealed container.

Every year in NHSScotland, £20 million is spent on medicines waste. The biggest problem comes from repeat prescriptions that people no longer need or use. 

 

There are a number of ways to help reduce wasted medicines

Only order the medicines that you need

  • Please let your GP or pharmacist know if you’ve stopped taking any of your medicines
  • Check what medicines you still have at home before re-ordering
  • Ask your pharmacist, GP surgery or practice nurse for a medication review
  • Think carefully before ticking all the boxes on your repeat prescription forms and only tick those you need
  • If you don’t need the medicine please don’t order it! If you need the medicine in the future you can still request it
  • If you need to go into hospital, please remember to take all your medicines with you in a clearly marked bag

Remember that unused medicines cannot be recycled

  • Even if you never open them, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they cannot be recycled or used by anyone else.
  • Please bring your unused medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal
  • NEVER dispose of your unused or unwanted medicines down the toilet

Unused medicines are a safety risk

  • Return out of date medicines to your pharmacy or dispensary for safe disposal
  • If your medicines change - return your old medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal to avoid mixing them up with your new medicines
  • Don't stockpile medication - it is a safety risk for children and others who might take them
  • Store medicines in an appropriate place out of reach of children