Medication waste in a hospital setting: concerns and considerations

The use of medication contributes significantly to the total CO2 emission caused by the public health sector. Conservative estimates reveal that the amount of medication distributed by public pharmacies but is wasted unused equalizes a total amount of 100 million euro. Data regarding medication wast...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde Vol. 166
Main Authors:	Jongsma, Minke E, Bogaards, Marja J, Grassi, Jiro B, van der Valk, Rixt, Egberts, A Toine C G, Ossebaard, Hans C
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	Dutch
Published:	Netherlands 14-11-2022
Subjects:	Cachexia Costs and Cost Analysis Hospitals Humans Prescription Drugs
Online Access:	Get more information
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Summary:	The use of medication contributes significantly to the total CO2 emission caused by the public health sector. Conservative estimates reveal that the amount of medication distributed by public pharmacies but is wasted unused equalizes a total amount of 100 million euro. Data regarding medication waste in hospitals is not yet available. Besides costs, wasting unused medication also has an enormous ecological impact. We analysed the stream of medication waste in our hospital and tried to reduce this by addressing the main causes. Our medication distribution process is mainly based on financial and quality based decisions, but should impact on planetary health not also be included? To realize this, though, both ecotoxicologic data as well as information related to environmental impact of medication production should be available and easily accessible.
ISSN:	0028-2162 1876-8784