Return
Unwanted Medicines

3 Steps to a Safer Home

Unfortunately, poisoning is one of the more common childhood injuries. Every year in NSW alone, more than 500 children are admitted to hospital because of poisoning from products found in and around the home – which includes medicines. Most accidental poisonings also happen to children younger than five years old, with children aged one to three years most at risk. 1

The simple fact is keeping expired or unwanted medicines around the house – no matter where youstore them – can be dangerous and especially so if you have small children who like to explore. Elderly people may also become confused with many medicines in the home and this can lead to “medication mismanagement”, often requiring hospital care. Plus, medicines disposed of down the sink or toilet, or put in rubbish bins, can also lead to poor environmental consequences. The responsible way to get rid of medicines is taking them back to the pharmacy.

Return Unwanted Medicines is calling on all Australians to review their medicine cabinet and consider what they need. A good rule of thumb is if you actually don’t know what it’s for, or when last you used it, it needs to be returned to pharmacy!