Inappropriate disposal of medicine can create many problems for people and the environment. But, on the other hand, proper disposal of medicines can save not only us but also our environment.

All medicine should be used within the shelf life (expiry date) to avoid losing potency. Changing the product can make it less effective or fatal.

So, what should we do with expired medicine? First, they must be properly disposed to keep us and our environment safe. Medicine wastes are disposed of in pharmaceutical industries in accordance with regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

But what happens to expired medicine at home, hospitals, and pharmacies? Pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and hospitals run medicine take-back programmes in developed countries. But there are no such programs in our country. While some pharmaceutical companies do take back expired medicines, most do not. As a result, people usually throw these medicines in the trash or flush them.

What happens to the environment if these medicines are exposed? Unused medicines flushed down the toilet enter surface and groundwater. Water treatment systems are designed to remove foreign materials from water, but not medicines. The main concerns about medication residues in surface water are increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms like fish and frogs.

How can these medicines be disposed of safely? The most effective medicine disposal method is a convenient take-back program. Therefore, the government or manufacturers should start a programme to collect and safely dispose of medicines from homes, hospitals, and pharmacies. Also, raising public awareness of the program should be considered. If possible, manufacturers should describe safe disposal procedures for sure medicines on the product label or leaflet.

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