‘Stockpiling old medicines can be dangerous’
PEOPLE are being urged to “spring clean” their medicines cupboard in a bid to protect their families and help the environment.
Cwm Taf University Health Board’s Your Medicines, Your Health campaign calls on the public to take any unwanted or unused medication back to their local pharmacy.
Emma Williams, community pharmacist lead for the health board, said: “It’s really important not to stockpile medicines. This can be dangerous for all the family.
“It’s also important that you do not take anyone else’s medication. Medicines that are prescribed for you, by your GP, are for your condition.
“The doctor will know your medical history and will prescribe a medication specifically for you.
“Offering your medication to someone else for a similar condition could put them at serious risk.
“You should keep all medicines – whether bought over the counter or prescribed – safely locked away in your medicine cabinet.
“Other products you may not consider as medicines such as mouthwashes, skin creams and vitamins should also be kept out of reach of children.
“All of these contain ingredients that could be dangerous if swallowed by accident.”
The Your Medicines, Your Health campaign also calls on people to return used inhalers that help treat conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
By taking the used inhaler back to a pharmacy that offers “Complete the Cycle”, a scheme funded by healthcare company GSK, the health board says the public can also help protect the environment.
A spokeswoman for the Cwm Taf UHB said: “The plastic and aluminium inhaler parts will be recycled into new products such as garden furniture, and any nonrecyclable waste will be converted into electricity or heat.
“While at the pharmacy, you can also ask your pharmacist about good inhaler technique and how to get the most from your medicines.”
If you require any further information or want to know more about the campaign visit www.cwmtaf.wales or e-mail YMYH@ wales.nhs.uk/
■ To find your nearest pharmacy offering Complete the Cycle, visit www.completethecycle.eu