Household Disposal and Recycling of Medication in Saudi Arabia: A Call for Introducing Drug Take-Back Programs

Background: Inappropriate disposal practices of medicinal\r\nproducts by households can harm nature. Alternatively, passing unused\r\nmedications to friends and family members can have undesirable consequences as\r\nthe quality of the product is in question. Objective: To investigate the disposal and recycling practices\r\nof medicinal products by households in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional\r\nquestionnaire designed to investigate disposal and recycling practices aimed at\r\nhouseholds in Saudi Arabia. Phone interviews were conducted with healthcare\r\nproviders from hospitals and community pharmacies as well as medical charity\r\nrepresentatives. A thorough search (Jun-September 2020) for disposal and\r\nrecycling policies was performed on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and\r\nthe Ministry of Health websites. Results: More than 900 participants were included in this study. Approximately\r\n40% of respondents claimed to follow the SFDA recommendations for the disposal of unwanted\r\nmedications in the wastebasket, whilst ≥6% preferred disposal via the toilet. On the other hand, 10% and 5% of\r\nhouseholds donated their unwanted over-the-counter and prescription-only medication products,\r\nrespectively, to a person in need, without referring to healthcare\r\nprofessionals. Interviews with healthcare providers and medical charities\r\nrevealed no drug take-back programs were currently available for households.\r\nThe SFDA website provides a brief guide on the disposal of unwanted or expired medication. Conclusions: The absence of a clear drug disposal policy for households has created a\r\ngap allowing incorrect disposal practices that may lead to harming patients\r\nand/or the environment. The launching of drug take-back programs may lead to\r\nthe provision of a clear consensus of governing bodies and healthcare providers\r\non patient guidance for a safe drug disposal policy.