The analysis of unused medications and other products returned by patients to selected public pharmacies in Poland

Abstract

The issue of expired and unused medications is a significant matter worthy of analysis. The study focused on the analysis of pharmaceutical products returned to public pharmacies, with particular emphasis on expired drugs and those returned within their expiration date, along with an economic assessment of the returned products. The research methodology relied on the analysis of products returned by patients to public pharmacies in the Mazovian voivodeship. The analysis encompassed the content of containers containing expired medications in terms of their expiration date, pharmaceutical form, active ingredient, ATC classification, drug availability category, and monetary value. The analyzed products belonged to various categories, including: medicines, dietary supplements, medical devices, specialized medical foods, cosmetics, biocidal products, and hygiene items. The study revealed that 75.75% of the returned products were drugs. Among the most frequently returned active ingredients was paracetamol, and prescription medications were the predominant category among the returned products. The most commonly returned therapeutic products belonged to the groups related to the Gastrointestinal and Metabolism, Respiratory System, and Nervous System. The economic evaluation showed that the value of returned products was significantly lower for expired items compared to those within their expiration date. The total value of the returned products amounted to 42 218.07 PLN. In summary, the issue of medication waste presents a challenge that requires a comprehensive approach, such as public education and the proposal of efficient solutions. Keywords: unused drugs, drug wastage, expired drugs.