TITLE:
Household Disposal and Recycling of Medication in Saudi Arabia: A Call for Introducing Drug Take-Back Programs
AUTHORS:
Abdulmalik Alqurshi
KEYWORDS:
Medication Disposal, Medication Recycling, Drug Take-Back Programs
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.11 No.11,
November
27,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Inappropriate disposal practices of medicinal
products by households can harm nature. Alternatively, passing unused
medications to friends and family members can have undesirable consequences as
the quality of the product is in question. Objective: To investigate the disposal and recycling practices
of medicinal products by households in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional
questionnaire designed to investigate disposal and recycling practices aimed at
households in Saudi Arabia. Phone interviews were conducted with healthcare
providers from hospitals and community pharmacies as well as medical charity
representatives. A thorough search (Jun-September 2020) for disposal and
recycling policies was performed on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and
the Ministry of Health websites. Results: More than 900 participants were included in this study. Approximately
40% of respondents claimed to follow the SFDA recommendations for the disposal of unwanted
medications in the wastebasket, whilst ≥6% preferred disposal via the toilet. On the other hand, 10% and 5% of
households donated their unwanted over-the-counter and prescription-only medication products,
respectively, to a person in need, without referring to healthcare
professionals. Interviews with healthcare providers and medical charities
revealed no drug take-back programs were currently available for households.
The SFDA website provides a brief guide on the disposal of unwanted or expired medication. Conclusions: The absence of a clear drug disposal policy for households has created a
gap allowing incorrect disposal practices that may lead to harming patients
and/or the environment. The launching of drug take-back programs may lead to
the provision of a clear consensus of governing bodies and healthcare providers
on patient guidance for a safe drug disposal policy.