Industry body calls for more regular reviews of repeat prescriptions to tackle ‘growing problem’
The amount of wasted medicines thrown away in England in one year could fill 75 swimming pools, according to a pharmacy group.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) estimated that 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines were disposed of in England in 2024-25.
The organisation, which analysed data from regional health bodies, also estimated that the problem costs the NHS at least £480m annually.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Wasted medicines cost the NHS significant sums of money every year that could be invested in better services for patients.
“More than this, wasting medicines can have environmental and health consequences, and we can do much more to tackle this growing problem.
“As soon as a medicine leaves a pharmacy, even if it is not used and is unopened, it must be disposed of, so it is important patients only get medicines they are sure they will use.”
The NPA, which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, called for patients with several repeat prescriptions to have more reviews so that medicines that were no longer needed could be identified.
It also urged the public not to “over order” medicine.
Picard added: “We are urging patients only to request medicines if they really need them when ordering repeat prescriptions.
“As well as this, patients who are prescribed multiple medicines should have these more regularly reviewed to ensure they are being fully utilised.
“If a patient has any concerns about their medicines, they should speak to their pharmacist who can help them get the most out of their medicines.”
Dr Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy, a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, said surplus medicines “aren’t only a financial and environmental problem – it’s a patient safety and resistance problem”.
She added: “Leftover antibiotics kept at home are often taken later without medical advice, which fuels antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest threats to modern medicine.
“Regular medication reviews and only ordering what is needed protects patients, the NHS and the environment.”