Disposal Practices of Unused and Unwanted Medications among Patients in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: There is a growing concern of unintended consequences of inappropriate medicationsdisposal on the environment and public health. Objective: The aims of this study are to determinepatients’ medications disposal methods and their awareness of the pharmacy medications take backprogram. Method: A cross sectional survey using a self-administered closed-ended questionnaireon information, medications disposal and views, awareness of medications take back program andreasons for their unwillingness to return the unused and unwanted medication to pharmacy or doctor.A convenient sample of 438 patients at Out Patient Pharmacy and Patient Registration areas in thehospital was collected and completed within three months. Results: Only 44.5% had ever receivedinformation about medications disposal and were significantly more likely to return to pharmacy ordoctor (29.2% versus 6.0%, p < 0.001). There were significant differences between tertiary and nontertiarywith regard to not returning to pharmacy or doctor (22.8% versus 42.0 %, p = 0.004). Somecommon medications disposal methods were throwing medications away with household garbage,38.3% (n = 168), returning to pharmacy or doctor, 35.1% (n = 154) and flushing medications downthe toilet or sink 11.0% (n = 48). About 50.2% (n = 220) knew about medications take back programand were significantly more willing to return the medication to the assigned location (34.7 % versus20.1%, p < 0.001). The main reasons for unwillingness were availability of time, not convenient ora bother and out-of-vicinity location. Conclusion: There is a clear need to create public awarenessabout issues on safe medication disposal and medications take back program.