Abstract
Background: Improper disposal of unused antimicrobial agents disrupts ecological equilibrium and escalates the proliferation of drug-resistant microorganisms. Pharmacists are well-positioned to support planetary health by facilitating appropriate disposal of antimicrobials. In Australia, a government-funded scheme allows community pharmacies to accept unwanted medicines for high-temperature incineration at no financial cost, but awareness of this scheme varies. Understanding the current antibiotic disposal advice and information given by pharmacists to consumers is pivotal in shaping informed policies and educational strategies to promote planetary health.
Purpose: To investigate the recommendations for the disposal of unwanted antibiotics given as advice to consumers by community pharmacists practising in Australia.
Method: A cross-sectional study design utilising a mystery shopping method was used to explore what pharmacists were recommending to the public regarding the disposal of unwanted antibiotics. Simulated patients called community pharmacies across all states and territories in Australia and asked for advice regarding the disposal of the leftover antibiotic mixture.
Results: Overall, 15 12 pharmacies were called across Australia, covering at least 10-20% of pharmacies in all states and territories. Over 60.1% of pharmacists recommended putting the leftover antibiotic syrup down the sink or down the toilet. About 13.4% recommend putting the unused antibiotic straight into the rubbish bin. About ten pharmacists recommended throwing the leftover syrup on the grass, soil or in a street drain. 15 pharmacists did not want to give a recommendation at all, with some stating they needed to call their doctor to ask. 624/1533 (41.2%) of pharmacists recommended bringing the medication back to the pharmacy, but of that, 16/624 (2.5%) who recommended bringing back the leftover antibiotic syrup, still stated they would throw the returned medicine down the sink once returned.
Conclusion: Advice on antimicrobial disposal varied among many pharmacists, and not many pharmacists commented on the impact inappropriate disposal could have on the
environment. Improvements in education and policy would support pharmacists to advise the public on the appropriate disposal of antimicrobials and other medicines. It is important the authors also provide solutions for patients who do not live close to the pharmacy and would still like to dispose of unused antibiotics properly without the inconvenience of returning to the pharmacy.
Purpose: To investigate the recommendations for the disposal of unwanted antibiotics given as advice to consumers by community pharmacists practising in Australia.
Method: A cross-sectional study design utilising a mystery shopping method was used to explore what pharmacists were recommending to the public regarding the disposal of unwanted antibiotics. Simulated patients called community pharmacies across all states and territories in Australia and asked for advice regarding the disposal of the leftover antibiotic mixture.
Results: Overall, 15 12 pharmacies were called across Australia, covering at least 10-20% of pharmacies in all states and territories. Over 60.1% of pharmacists recommended putting the leftover antibiotic syrup down the sink or down the toilet. About 13.4% recommend putting the unused antibiotic straight into the rubbish bin. About ten pharmacists recommended throwing the leftover syrup on the grass, soil or in a street drain. 15 pharmacists did not want to give a recommendation at all, with some stating they needed to call their doctor to ask. 624/1533 (41.2%) of pharmacists recommended bringing the medication back to the pharmacy, but of that, 16/624 (2.5%) who recommended bringing back the leftover antibiotic syrup, still stated they would throw the returned medicine down the sink once returned.
Conclusion: Advice on antimicrobial disposal varied among many pharmacists, and not many pharmacists commented on the impact inappropriate disposal could have on the
environment. Improvements in education and policy would support pharmacists to advise the public on the appropriate disposal of antimicrobials and other medicines. It is important the authors also provide solutions for patients who do not live close to the pharmacy and would still like to dispose of unused antibiotics properly without the inconvenience of returning to the pharmacy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 86-87 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | International Pharmacy Federation Congress - Duration: 1 Jan 2002 → … |
Conference
| Conference | International Pharmacy Federation Congress |
|---|---|
| Period | 1/01/02 → … |