Environmental and Health Consequences of Pharmaceutical Disposal Methods: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Global pharmaceutical production and consumption are rising, leading to increased pharmaceutical waste.
• Improper disposal of medicines poses significant risks to public health and the environment, including aquatic ecosystem disruption and antimicrobial resistance.
• A comprehensive review of pharmaceutical waste management is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of pharmaceutical waste management and disposal practices.
• To assess current disposal practices and their environmental and health impacts.
• To identify research gaps and guide future strategies for effective pharmaceutical waste management.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review analyzing 4269 records from Medline OVID, Web of Science, Embase, and grey literature.
• Studies were identified using a structured search strategy focusing on medication waste, disposal methods, and impacts.
• A two-stage screening process using the PCC framework and predefined inclusion criteria was applied, with 67 studies included.

Main Results:

• A significant regulatory gap exists, particularly in the Global South, with limited infrastructure and awareness leading to household waste disposal.
• Medication take-back programs are more prevalent in the Global North.
• Increasing research interest is noted, with a surge in publications during 2022-2023.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for policy development to address disparities in pharmaceutical waste management.
• Effective management requires coordinated efforts from industry, healthcare providers, regulators, and communities.
• Key strategies include regulatory action, public education, technological innovation, and addressing drug misuse to mitigate environmental and public health risks.