Patients' views and experiences about unused medications and potential interventions to reduce medication waste

Patients frequently end up with unused medications due to non-adherence, excessive supply, treatment changes, or early discontinuation. However, patients' views on unused medications and potential waste minimization interventions remain underexplored in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore patients' views and experiences regarding unused medications and potential solutions for reducing the amount of unused medications in homes.

Semi-structured interviews (n = 26) were conducted with adult patients who visited a health facility and were using prescription medication. Participants were asked about their perceptions of unused medications, their handling and disposal of unused medications, and potential interventions to reduce medication waste. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Patients' views of unused medications were both positive and negative. Positive views included potential use in future disease management, while negative views included risks of accidental poisoning, misuse, environmental pollution, and financial loss. Key factors contributing to unused medications included patient non-adherence, health system gaps, and poor patient-healthcare provider relationships. Notably, most patients disposed of unused medications in open fields. To mitigate this waste, proposed solutions focused on patient education and counselling regarding responsible use and safe disposal, equipping public health facilities with the necessary diagnostic equipment, and strengthening health care providers' technical knowledge and skills.

Patients have mixed views regarding unused medications kept at home, and improper disposal practices remain widespread. To minimize medication waste and its associated risks, interventions should focus on improving patients' medication use behaviour. Specifically, there is a critical need for patient education and counselling on the risks and benefits of unused medications, along with strategies to strengthen patients' relationships with healthcare providers.