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Journey of a pill
Harjas Kaur1, Fiona Parascandalo2, Gail Krantzberg3
1Master of Engineering graduate from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|April 14, 2025
Summary
The global journey of a generic clonazepam pill involves complex production and distribution, spanning India, China, the EU, and the US, highlighting significant environmental impacts from healthcare practices. Manufacturers must streamline operations to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Analysis
- Environmental Impact Assessment in Healthcare
- Global Logistics of Medications
Background:
- Understanding the environmental footprint of pharmaceuticals is crucial.
- Generic drug production involves intricate global supply chains.
- The journey of a single pill from raw materials to patient use is largely unmapped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the global journey of a generic clonazepam pill.
- To map the production, distribution, and disposal steps.
- To identify environmental implications of pharmaceutical logistics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review including PubMed, Google Scholar, and industry reports.
- Analysis of pharmaceutical databases and export records.
- Consultation with industry professionals and organizations.
Main Results:
- Clonazepam active pharmaceutical ingredient production is concentrated in India and China.
- Manufacturing involves multiple international shipments, including formulation in India and final stages in the US.
- The estimated travel distance for a single pill's journey is approximately 63,162 km.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare prescribing practices have measurable environmental impacts.
- Operational streamlining by manufacturers is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Further research into sustainable pharmaceutical supply chains is warranted.
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