An Introduction to How to Dispose of Unused and Expired Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Medication is a chemical compound that is given to treat a disease or relieve symptoms of an illness. The disposal of drugs has a significant effect on the environment. The health care system relies on medicines. However, when people recover, they often no longer need the medicines and may simply throw them away. When you discard your medicines in the trash, they can break down in the soil, affecting plants and animals. They may also mix with rainwater and end up in ponds and rivers, impacting both animals and humans. Milk from humans, cows, and goats can contain various pharmaceuticals. It is important to keep and dispose of medicines safely so that children, teenagers, pets, or even guests cannot easily access them. Drug disposal means getting rid of drugs. Expired drugs should be thrown away in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The US FDA started a "Drug Take Back program" to prevent harmful drugs from entering the environment. Poor drug disposal practices, like flushing drugs down the toilet, burning them, or throwing them in the trash, can contaminate water supplies. Because of this, the nation is facing several issues. It's vital to understand how much the community knows about this problem. Pharmaceuticals and their by products can be dangerous when they are in the environment. They can expose people and animals, including aquatic creatures, to medications and increase antibiotic resistance.