How Should Responsibility for Proper Medication Disposal Be Shared?

Abstract

Pharmaceutical companies' capital, influence, and labor force well equip them to assume responsibility for public medication disposal programs. Government-and industry-funded campaigns for medication disposal do work, but responsibility often falls on local health care organizations to provide education and services. Lack of public awareness about how to dispose of medications and the ramifications of contaminating our natural resources and ecosystems with pharmaceuticals suggest a need for collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, government officials, clinicians, and patients.The American Medical Association designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available through the AMA Ed Hub TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Ecopharmacovigilance: A review of cause, impact, and remedies

“…Some authors argue that the burden of responsible disposal should be shared between government, patients, and pharmaceutical companies. 23 Pharmacovigilance professionals can be at the forefront and create a movement, especially since they are in a unique position to educate all relevant stakeholders about safe medicine use and its disposal. Proper patient counselling on safe medication disposal can significantly impact this critical public health challenge.…”