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29 March 2024

Drop off your expired medicines at DHA centres for safe disposal

At DHA, the expired medications are disposed of in line with international pharmaceutical safety guidelines. (Shutterstock)

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By Staff

“Expired medication can pose serious health risks to individuals if not disposed of properly,” said Dr Ali Sayed, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dubai Health Authority.

He urged residents to drop off outdated meds at one of 16 DHA primary healthcare centres and DHA hospitals under their ‘clean your medicine cabinet’ campaign.

“The aim of the campaign is two-fold - safe and effective disposal of deteriorated or expired medicines and donation of valid medications to charities,” he added.

At DHA, the expired medications are disposed of in line with international pharmaceutical safety guidelines.

“Flushing down your medication is harmful for the environment and pollutes the water and disposing of the medicines in the garbage (even if it is tightly sealed) pollutes the soil. Therefore, the best way to dispose outdated medications is to return it to the pharmacy for safe disposal.”

Dr Sayed was raising awareness about the campaign, which was launched in 2011, during the #smart_clinic twitter chat on Thursday.

Unused meds collected under the ‘clean your medicine cabinet’ campaign totals to half-a-million dirhams worth medicines every month. These are then donated to UAE charities after experts reevaluate them.

Dr Sayed warned about the dangerous effects of consuming expired medicines. “Medicines have complex chemical structures. After expiry, the chemical structure changes and breaks down. This can reduce the effect of the medicine, or the medicine may become totally useless or worst case scenario it may become toxic.

“Bacteria and fungi can grow in expired medicines which can increase their toxicity.”

He added that eye drops should be disposed of a month after the date of opening because of the risk of bacterial or fungal growth.

Expired insulin injections have reduced potency and may also have harmful effects.

Dr Sayed urged residents to constantly evaluate their medicine cabinet. “Medicines should be stored in a cool and dry place, and be in one container which is out of the reach of children and pets. These are basic precautions which parents should always keep in mind.”

He hinted that meds must be “stored below 25 degrees” and some refrigerated “between 2 to 8 degrees”.  “Bathrooms and kitchens are not ideal places to store medicines due to the exposure to sunlight, heat and humidity. The ideal place to store medicine is in a dark place and cool place.”

The #smart clinic was also attended by Dr Mohammed Sameh, head of pharmacy at Rashid Hospital, Dr Nada Amiri, head of pharmacy at Latifa Hospital and Dr Muna Sayed, specialist pharmacist at the pharmacy department at the DHA. 

Safety tips on usage and storage of medication

•        Keep an updated list of all medicines at home.

 •        Ensure that medications are out of reach of children and pets. This is especially true for medications that look like water or soft drinks.

 •        Never tell your children medicines taste like candy, sweets etc. Let them know from a young age that medications are only consumed to recover from an illness.

 •        Always store medicines and vitamins in a locked location- out of reach and sight of children.

 •        Resist the temptation to keep medicines in a purse or briefcase, or in an unlocked cabinet or a drawer that is within your child’s reach.

 •        Instead, for convenience set a daily alarm for yourself so that you take your medicines regularly.

 •        Remind nannies and houseguests to keep purses and bags that contain medicines at a height so that it is out of reach of children and pets.

 •        It is advisable to take your medicines at the same time daily.

 •        When medicines are misused and taken without medical advice they can be dangerous and do more harm than good for the body.

 •        Medicines when used as advice by your healthcare practitioner will have positive effects on your body and health.

 •        Read proper storage instructions for all medications.

 •        Medications that need to be reconstituted e.g.: antibiotics or after opening some medications, should be stored at 2 to 8 degrees.

•        In general, medications should be stored at room temperature, below 25 degrees.

•        Medications should be stored away from sunlight and humidity.

•        In the UAE summer months, ensure medications are stored in an air-conditioned room, or in cooler areas of your house.

•        Some medications need to be kept in the refrigerator.

•        You should store them in a box or container that sets them apart from your food section.

 •        The kitchen and bathroom are avoidable places to store medicine because of the heat and moisture generated.

 •        Store all medicines in one designated location together. The location should be a dry and cool place.

•        Write date of opening on medications prominently and discard unused medication within one week, one month or as mentioned.

•        Do not share medications prescribed to you with others. Your medicine is ONLY suitable for you.

•        Keep medications in an original container.

•        Never leave your medicines in the car; the heat destroys the effectiveness of the medicines.

 •        Do not self-prescribe as it can have harmful effects.

 •        Regular use of antibiotics causes antibiotic resistance which means the antibiotic will fail to work.

 •        Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed, never miss your dose.

 •        It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as some medications are contraindicated during this time.

•        Liver failure and/or kidney failure disease patients should tell their GP’s about their condition, as medications will be prescribed accordingly.

•        Paediatric medicines are based on age a weight and therefore dosage should be prescribed by the physician

•        Do not over use pain killers.