Did You Know?

Wasted medicines waste money

Unused prescription medicines cost the NHS across the UK over £300 million every year.

£300 million could pay for:

• 80,906 MORE hip replacements*
• 101,351 MORE knee replacements*
• 19,799 MORE drug treatment courses for breast cancer*
• 11,778 MORE community nurses*
• 300,000 MORE drug treatment courses for Alzheimer's*

*Based on average costs

Unused medicines cannot be recycled

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

Unused medicines are a safety risk.

• Return out of date medicines to pharmacy for safe disposal.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.