The danger of unwanted medicines in our homes

In Australia, more than 200 million prescriptions were dispensed from pharmacies in the 12 months to June 2016.

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In Australia, more than 200 million prescriptions were dispensed from pharmacies in the 12 months to June 2016.

Most of us, however, keep medicines we no longer need which can be a safety hazard for our children, and damaging to the environment if poured down the drain or thrown into general rubbish. For almost 20 years, a little-known service provided by pharmacists has been accepting unwanted or expired medicines for safe disposal.

When Griffith University researchers surveyed 4302 Australian adults in 2016, 60 per cent had unwanted medicines in their home and up to 40 per cent of the medicines had expired. More than 80 per cent of these adults did not know about this service but, almost all agreed that they would use it.

Find out more about this free return unwanted medicines service.

The role of the pharmacist is changing while continuing to play a major part in community healthcare. Pharmacists can vaccinate against the flu, conduct a health check, and review your medications. Additionally, they can offer advice on getting the best out of your prescription medicines, help you choose which medicine you need when you’re unwell, and if necessary, advise you to visit a doctor.

Pharmacists are making a real difference in hospitals, the community, doctor’s surgeries and other surprising healthcare settings. Griffith University’s pharmacy degrees use technology and real life practice with actors and in pharmacies to prepare graduates for these great roles. If you think this exciting career might be for you, find out more at our study pharmacy page