[Reducing medication waste; a challenge for care providers and society]

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical supply chain management
• Healthcare economics
• Environmental health

Background:

• Significant annual financial losses in the Netherlands due to unused medication, exceeding 100 million euro.
• Medication wastage contributes to environmental burden and suboptimal patient care through nonadherence.
• Wastage occurs across the entire pharmaceutical supply chain, involving manufacturers, distributors, prescribers, pharmacists, and patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the economic and environmental consequences of medication wastage.
• To emphasize the need for a preventative strategy to minimize medication waste.
• To underscore the importance of prescriber awareness and stakeholder involvement in reducing waste.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of medication wastage across the pharmaceutical supply and use chain.
• Identification of key stakeholders involved in medication management.
• Review of potential strategies for waste reduction, focusing on prevention.

Main Results:

• Annual medication waste in the Netherlands amounts to at least 100 million euro.
• Medication wastage has significant economic, environmental, and patient care implications.
• A multi-stakeholder, preventative approach is crucial for effective waste minimization.

Conclusions:

• Reducing medication waste requires a comprehensive strategy involving all participants in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Prescribers play a vital role and must be informed about the extent and consequences of wastage.
• Preventative measures and improved adherence are essential to mitigate economic losses and environmental impact.