Related Experiment Videos
Economic burden and patient-related determinants of medication waste in Saudi Arabia: evaluating re-dispensing
Mona Y Alsheikh1, Hana A Althobaiti2, Hussein M Farag3
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
Global medicine use rose 14% in 5 years, causing waste, financial loss, environmental damage, and limited access to therapies. Re-dispensing unused medications is possible, subject to legal and safety restrictions.
Objective:
To estimate the economic cost of medication waste, characterize patient-related determinants associated with waste, and assess the potential for re-dispensing based on the quality of the returned medications.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024. Unused medications were collected and categorized by use status, dosage form, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system, and market value. Patient demographics and disposal practices were recorded via structured questionnaires.
Results:
A total of 206 patients returned 2,633 medications, which were primarily unused (64.98%) and in solid dosage forms (80.59%). Participants were predominantly female (59.22%) and aged 20-29 years (54.37%). Over-prescription was the leading cause of waste (70.87%). While 83.50% of participants possessed excess medications, 62.14% had never returned them previously, and 64.08% had disposed of them in the trash. The most frequent therapeutic classes were the alimentary tract and metabolism (31.41%), cardiovascular (14.93%), and nervous system (11.51%). Anti-neoplastic agents contributed the highest cost at 57,979.30 SAR (15,461.15 United States Dollars), despite representing only 0.38% of items. The total economic value of returned medications was 220,272.97 SAR (58,739.46 USD).
Conclusion:
Medication waste represents a substantial economic burden and carries significant potential implications for environmental sustainability. While the high quality of returned products reveals a clear opportunity for recovery through re-dispensing, successful implementation will depend on robust legislative support and further economic evaluation. Ultimately, a combination of strategic interventions, such as shorter first fills and structured return programs, is essential to effectively mitigate waste.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors