Patients urged to cut down on wasted medicines

Unused prescriptions and expired medicines contribute to the problem

Patients are being urged to cut down on unused medicines amid an estimated £300m yearly cost to the NHS in England.

Medicine waste, including unused prescriptions that are disposed of by care homes and expired stock, costs Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System (ICS) £4m a year, the organisation said.

A spokesperson for the ICS said patients should review medicines regularly with their healthcare team, avoid stockpiling and return unused medicines safely.

They added: "We know that community-wide initiatives, combined with individual actions, can make a significant difference."

The ICS is a partnership of NHS and local government organisations which works to join up health and care services in parts of Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.

The estimated £300m total cost includes £150m worth of unused prescriptions, £50m from medicines disposed of by care homes, and the rest from issues such as expired stock or over prescription.

The ICS spokesperson said there were "simple, impactful steps" patients could take to reduce medicines waste including only order what was needed and checking medicine supplies before reordering prescriptions.

They added: "If unsure ask. Not all medicines are designed to be taken long term.

"If you have a medicine that you no longer need, that is causing you side-effects or that you feel you shouldn't be prescribed any more - talk to your health care team.

"Prescribers really want to hear what you think about your medication so please do tell them."