INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF EXPIRED AND UNUSED PHARMACEUTICALS IN THE ANKARA REGION

Abstract

Objective: Due to the increase in the market share of pharmaceuticals and the unconscious use of medicines, unused or expired medicines are being discarded in a way that harms the environment. This study aims to examine which medicines are brought to collection points as household waste in order to reduce waste medicines from the source. Material and Method: The medicines collected in 12 spontaneously selected pharmacies operating in low and high income levels in the Ankara region were recorded at different periods during one year and the results were statistically evaluated. 4852 waste medicines were sorted and classified according to pharmaceutical dosage form and indication Result and Discussion: Unopened 521 medicines were discarded. In addition, it was seen which drug groups create waste in socio-economic terms. In addition to the damage to the environment, it has created a foresight to prevent drug waste that creates a deficit in the budget.