Our new medicines waste campaign

As a senior pharmacist working within the NHS, I see every day the vital role medicines play in helping people live healthier, more independent lives. But I also see a growing challenge that affects patients and carers, the NHS and the environment: medicines waste.

Across the UK, an estimated £300 million worth of medicines go unused each year.

This March across London we are launching a new campaign to encourage people to order only the medicines they truly need. The aim is to help people make informed choices about their repeat prescriptions and to reduce unnecessary waste by taking moment to check what they already have and avoid stockpiling.

Repeat prescriptions make up the majority of items dispensed in the NHS, and usage is highest in older age groups in people on multiple medicines.

There are some key messages that we are encouraging everyone to share:

• Before ordering your repeat prescription, check how much medicine you have left at home. If you still have enough to last you, you can delay ordering more before you run out.
• Only ordering what you need helps keep you safe, because medicines can go out of date and may not work as intended if kept for too long. This helps prevent shortages and supports the availability of medicines for others who rely on the same treatment.
• Reducing waste is good for the environment

If you find unused medicines at home, you can return them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

For anyone who finds they are not using certain medicines or feels unsure whether their prescription is still right for them, a medication review at your GP practice can make a huge difference. Another simple action is to check your prescription bag before leaving the pharmacy. If it contains an item you no longer need, returning it immediately means it can still be used for someone else.

Lead optimisation pharmacist colleagues Sagal Hashi and Katti Nwosu have been working with London pharmacy colleagues and colleagues in comms in delivering this campaign. We all want to reiterate that the NHS is here to help – if anyone has any questions about their medication please speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Please look out for messages on Facebook, Nextdoor and LinkedIn and help spread the word. You may see adverts on billboards or on the radio too. If you work in a community setting and would like campaign resources contact our comms team: nelondonicb.nelcommunications@nhs.net.

When it comes to repeat prescriptions, a quick check before reordering can make all the difference. Only order what you need, and together we can help reduce waste and keep medicines available for all.

Natasha Callender, Head of Medicines Optimisation, NHS North East London