Discharge of in-disuse medications by Itapetininga population, São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract The aim of the current article is to evaluate the ways of disposing medications in disuse adopted by the population in Itapetininga City, São Paulo State, Brazil. Cross-sectional study carried out with 182 subjects who attended health facilities. It was performed through a questionnaire about the disposal of medication kept in “home pharmacies”. In total, 2.7% of the 182 respondents properly disposed medication (delivery to health facilities) - 5.5% accounted for the correct discard of it, but, yet, it was associated with some inappropriate behavior. There was no leftover medication in 14.8% of “home pharmacies” likely because of delivery at correct medication amount and of adherence to treatment - 77% of the ducts could cause environmental damage. In total, 65% of the 182 respondents kept medication in disuse for further use and 10% of them used to donate medication to neighbors, friends and relatives - these behaviors are considered inappropriate due to likely self-medication and storage issues. In conclusion, there is the need of environmental and health education for both the population and health professionals.