[Environmental impact of medicines and approaches for more eco responsible use]

The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals mainly stems from their carbon footprint across the life cycle and their ecotoxicity once released into ecosystems. Technological advances in the pharmaceutical industry are gradually lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Drug residues found in water, soil, and air arise mainly from industrial discharges, improper disposal of expired or unused medicines and the excretion of active compounds or metabolites, as wastewater treatment remains incomplete. The actual impact of pharmaceutical residues in the environment is still partly unknown. To mitigate ecotoxicity, the development of greener active pharmaceutical ingredients and improved wastewater treatment are being explored. Prescribers and users can also adopt more environmentally responsible practices. This article aims to raise awareness of these environmental concerns and outline pathways toward more sustainable medication use.