How to properly dispose of unused medications to protect the environment
It’s widely believed that around 60% of adult Americans take prescription drugs on a daily basis. Each drug packet comes with a variety of instructions on how to take it, but it doesn’t provide guidance on how to properly dispose of unused pills. Similarly, there is no common guidance on how to play diverse online games like Playamo Casino Australia.
Not disposing of expired or unused medications properly can lead to the contamination of the environment. In fact, pharmaceutical waste has been detected in various places around the world, such as water bodies. Despite the minimal impact of drugs on animal and human health, further studies are required to confirm their effects on the environment.
According to Louise Proud, a spokesperson for Pfizer, the company takes pride in being a responsible organization that works to minimize the impact of its manufacturing operations on the environment. She also noted that the company provides various resources to help people properly dispose of their unused medications.
It’s the responsibility of all involved parties, including patients and doctors, to ensure that medicines are properly disposed of.
How Medicines Can Enter Our Environment
While it’s common to throw away unused prescriptions, other paths that medicines can travel are also ways in which they can enter the environment. Some of these include medicines that have been used on animals, as well as waste generated during the manufacturing process.
In spite of how medicines go through other means, ensuring that expired or unused medications are disposed of properly protects the environment, too.
Everyone plays a role in reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste.
It’s important to remember that medicines should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional. In addition, ensuring that medications are properly discarded can help protect the environment and public health.
As a member of an industry coalition, Pfizer works with a non-profit organization called the PPSWG to contribute to the pharmaceutical sector in the U.S. dispose of household products, and implement take-back laws for medical devices that can puncture or cut.
According to Scott Smith, a senior manager for the company’s global environment, safety, and health department, Pfizer works with MED-project USA to implement and manage the take-back programs mandated by PPSWG.
In the US, it’s generally allowed to throw away most medications, regardless of their form. The labels should be removed, and the FDA suggests putting medicines inside a plastic bag and throwing them away.
However, it’s also important to keep in mind that medicines should not be flushed down the toilet or sink. The FDA has a list of dangerous drugs that can be safely flushed, and this protects household members and those who may come across unreturned medicines.
What Prescribers Can Do
Besides being able to prevent unreturned medicines, prescription writers also play a vital role in the proper use of their medications. For example, by regularly reviewing a patient’s treatment for a chronic condition, they decrease the likelihood that they’ll have leftover medication when their current treatment ends. In addition, they assist patients in becoming more knowledgeable about how to properly dispose of their unused medications.
What the Pharmaceutical Industry Can Do
At a global level, the pharmaceutical sector can also help reduce the waste that it produces by improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations. It can additionally educate the public about the proper disposal of medicines. As studies continue, the companies that are involved in the research process, continuously monitor developments.
In the U.S., Smith noted that Pfizer works with local governments to implement regulations and programs that help minimize the impact of pharmaceutical waste. He also noted that the company collaborates with smaller and large companies to address the issue. Elizabeth Hermsen, who is the Global Medical Affairs Lead for Pfizer, said that the company’s One Health approach takes into account the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
As we get to know from the diverse author page interested in this sphere, pharmaceutical waste can be minimized through the implementation of various measures, such as responsible manufacturing and disposal practices. It’s up to everyone, including patients, local governments, and the industry, to ensure that prescription drugs are properly handled and disposed of.
