15 March 2009 – Disposing Unused Medicines-Mostaph Elhwary

DISPOSINGUNUSED

MEDICINES

Among the lay people 1. Throwing in the trash

a. Homeless b. Pets c. Children

2. Flushing in the Toilet

two thirds of drug waste (EPA 2006)

1 Billion $ unused drugs are flushed into the toilet

Neither is a GOOD

method

Among the pharmacies1. Sending back to the distributers

2. In the trash

Among the pharmaceutical companies Batch incineration

In the desertEgyptian ministry of healthSpecial incinerators

Illegal drug labsEcstasy and amphetamineChemicals usedHazards of waste dumped

Among the hospitals More hazardous drugs AP: 250,000,000

pounds of drugs into sewer

Higher concentrations of antibiotic resistant bacteria

Impact of improper disposal on the environment

1. Damage to Aquatic life Decreased reproduction Alteration in homing behavior Ex. Diazinon on Salmon fish

2. Antibiotic resistancestronger bacteria resist antibioticsHarms on human

3. Waste water treatment plan (WWTP)Damage of beneficial bacteria

Syringes and needles

Syringe disposal WHO:

12 BILLION syringe a year in the world

Transmission of diseasesVirus CAIDS

Disposing in the trash

1. Cleaners

2. homeless

3. Recycling

4. KOSHARY & yoghurt

Solutions:

Needle clipper Needle burner

Retractable syringesSafety box

Proper disposal of PPCPsWHO, FDA stated that:

1. Check the pharmacy for a take-back program NO TAKE BACK PROGRAM

2. Check the city or state for a disposal program NO DISPOSAL PROGRAM

3. Check the police station for disposal box NO DISPOSAL BOX

Solid medication:Dissolve in water

Mix with tea or coffee

Double bag in a container

Liquid medications:○ Marker or scratch○ Add a PUNGENT○ Add in container

Safe in the toilet (FDA)NarcoticsFentanylOxycodoneEntecavirStavudineacetaminophen

Ampoules and vials:

○ Don’t open

○ Wrap

○ Pack in a container

CONFERENCES HELD IN DRUG DISPOSAL 2007 Northeast water science forum,

Portland IWTC10 2006, Alexandria, Egypt Pharmaceutical waste reduction &

discharge issue, February 2004

conclusion Don’t throw in the trash UNLESS….. Don’t flush in the toilet EXCEPT….. Hope for a take-back program in 20…. Spread awareness to others