Only Order What You Need
- The NHS spends an estimated £300m on unused medicines each year. We need your help to reduce this.
- Every pound spent on wasted medicines is a pound less than can be spent on delivering NHS services.
- Medicines waste happens when too much medication is order that isn’t needed, medicine is stockpiled at home or prescriptions aren’t checked before leaving the pharmacy.
- What can you do? Everyone has a part to play in reducing medicines waste.
- Plan ahead – make a note in your calendar before your prescription due date to go through your medicines and see what you need.
- Keep track of what medication you’re taking – don’t continue to order medicines you are no longer taking or where you have lots at home.
- Only order the medicines you need – when putting in your next medicine order, look at what you currently have available and only order what you need
- Check your medication before you leave the pharmacy – make sure you only have the medications you need. Anything that leaves the pharmacy cannot be reused.
- Review your medications at your GP practice or pharmacy – if you’re not taking your medicine as prescribed, contact your GP or pharmacy for a medicine review.
