Pharmacy teams and GP practices across Surrey and Sussex are encouraging people to only order the medicines they need. Every year, around £300 million worth of unused medicines are wasted across the NHS.

By checking what medicines you already have before ordering, you can help reduce waste, protect the environment and make the best use of NHS resources.

Once medicines have left the pharmacy, they cannot usually be reused or recycled, even if they are unopened. Wasted medicines also contribute to pollution and can harm wildlife if they are not disposed of safely.

Stay safe

  • Keep medicines stored safely and out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Medicines are prescribed specifically for you. Never share them with anyone else.

Stay well

  • Medicines that go out of date may not work as intended.
  • Ordering more medicine than you need can contribute to medicine shortages for other people.

Stay green

  • Return unwanted or out-of-date medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
  • Only ordering the medicines you need helps reduce waste and protects the environment.
  • Never throw medicines away in household waste or flush them down the toilet unless advised to do so.

How you can help

Check what medicines you have at home

Before ordering your repeat prescription, check what medicines you already have at home. You do not need to order every medicine each month – items will stay on your repeat prescription even if you do not request them every time.

  • Keep your medicines together in one safe place so you can easily see what you have.
  • Use one packet or container at a time where possible to help keep track of what you have left.
  • About 7 to 10 days before your next prescription is due, check your medicines and only order what you need.

Collecting your prescription

Before leaving the pharmacy, check your prescription bag to make sure you have everything you need and nothing extra.

If you have been given a medicine you no longer need, speak to the pharmacy team before you leave.

If you stay in hospital

  • Keep an up-to-date list of your medicines, including the dose and how you take them.
  • Take your medicines with you if you are admitted to hospital, where possible.
  • Before you go home, ask whether any changes have been made to your medicines and make sure you understand what you should take.

Talk to your pharmacist

Let your GP practice or pharmacy know if you have stopped taking a medicine or no longer need it.

If you have any questions about your medicines or prescription, your pharmacy team will be happy to help.

Always return unused or out-of-date medicines, including inhalers, to your pharmacy for safe disposal.