RPS Encourages Return of Pharmaceuticals for Safe Disposal

The establishment of an “antibiotic amnesties” programme, where unused antibiotics may be securely returned to appropriate locations for safe disposal, is being implemented for NHS groups around the UK.

The appeal was made in advance of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, November 18th to 24th.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) explained that “Unsafe disposal [of antimicrobials] can contaminate the environment and increase the spread of resistance genes among bacteria, putting human and animal health at risk.”

president of the RPS, Claire Anderson, expressed that “returning antibiotics is an important way to reduce antimicrobial resistance. That’s why we’re supporting providers with a resource to set up an ‘antibiotic amnesty’ when suitable in co-ordination with local teams.”

Antibiotic amnesties have been implemented locally in prior years, but never before on this scale.

In a 2019 online poll, it was discovered that the bin was the most popular method of medicine disposal, with just under 50% being thrown away this way. 25% were dumped in toilets and sinks, and just under 30% were given back to pharmacies.

An NHS rep said that they “encourage everyone to support the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s call for an antibiotic amnesty, which will help make sure antibiotics are safely disposed of and crucially reduce antimicrobial resistance in the environment.”

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