Cutting wasted medicines welcomed by NHS in Somerset

Pharmaceutical advisers with NHS Somerset have welcomed the Government's  recent announcement  to set up a new group1 to help tackle a £300 million pound annual bill for wasted prescription medicines each year - half of which is described as 'avoidable'.

The national campaign mirrors that launched by NHS Somerset earlier this year.

Somerset patients are reminded to "Only order what you need" when it comes to repeat prescriptions and ensure they take their medicines as prescribed by their family doctor.

NHS Somerset's waste medicines bill last year was estimated to be over £3 million pounds.

GPs and pharmacists across Somerset are supporting the campaign and trying to impress upon their patients just how important it is for them to take their medicines correctly if their condition is to improve. 

Nationally over 900 million prescriptions are dispensed each year but the cost to the NHS of people not taking these medicines properly, and not gaining the full benefits to their long term health, is estimated at a further £500 million a year.

Health Minister, Lord Howe, said, "We want to look at how patients can make the most of the medicines they take.  This isn't just about saving money – most importantly it is about making sure that patients stay well and get the best outcomes from their medicines."

Shaun Green, Director of Prescribing and Medicines Management with NHS Somerset, said: "Every pound wasted is a pound that could be spent on treating patients in Somerset.

"The money spent each year on wasted medicines could buy 809 hip replacements, 117 community nurses and 3,000 more drug treatment courses for patients with Alzheimer's.

"If patients followed the advice of their GP and took their medicines correctly this would make an enormous difference to their health and the money we have available for local services." 

One of the common reasons for medicines being wasted is repeat prescriptions.  Surprisingly many are ordered and collected by patients but not used.  It is estimated that nationally £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines are retained in people's homes across the UK at any one time.  Between 40-50% of patients do not take or use their medicines as prescribed.

 If you find you have unwanted medicines at home it is important to dispose of them safely, you can return them to your pharmacist who will do so for you.