15 march 2009 – disposing unused medicines- mostaph elhwary
TRANSCRIPT
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 pharmacies
1. Sending back to the distributers
2. In the trash
Among the pharmaceutical companies
Batch incinerationIn 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: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