HEALTH
Unused Meds: A Hidden Cost in Every Home
Sun Feb 16 2025
Every home has a secret stash of unused drugs. This is a global issue, but it's especially bad in countries that are still developing. It's a tough habit to break, and it's not just about the money. It's about how we think about drugs and how we get rid of them.
First, let's talk about the money. The cost of unused drugs adds up. It's a waste of resources that could be used for other things. But it's not just about the money. It's about the impact on our health and the environment.
Now, let's talk about how we think about drugs. We need to be smarter about how we use them. This means using them only when we need to and getting rid of them properly when we don't.
But how do we do that? There are different ways to get rid of unused drugs. Some people flush them down the toilet. Others throw them in the trash. But these methods can be harmful to the environment. There are better ways to dispose of them, like taking them to a drug take-back program.
We need to be more aware of how we use and dispose of drugs. It's not just about the money. It's about our health and the environment. We need to be smarter about how we use drugs and get rid of them properly.
continue reading...
questions
How can healthcare providers better support patients in using medications rationally?
Are pharmaceutical companies intentionally creating medications that are difficult to use rationally?
What are the potential environmental impacts of current disposal methods for unused medications?
inspired by
actions
flag content