IG2 – Redispensing of medicines: pros and cons

Link to EAHP Statements

• Section 1 – Introductory Statements and Governance: Statements – 1.1, 1.3
• Section 2 – Selection, Procurement and Distribution: Statements – 2.5
• Section 5 – Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: Statements – 5.2, 5.3

Abstract

Redispensing or redistribution (also reuse) of medicines has become an increasingly popular topic in the realm of healthcare sustainability. With the rising cost of healthcare, medicines shortages and the growing concern for the environment, the idea of redispensing medications is becoming more attractive. Medicines redispensing involves collecting and redistributing unused, unexpired medication by patients at home to other patients both to improve patients’ accessibility to medications and improve affordability and sustainability of medication use (sustainability of environment).

The benefits of circularity strategies for medicines are numerous, including reduced medication waste, decreased healthcare costs, and increased access to medication for those in need. Conservatively, there are perceived risks associated with the redispensing of medicines, such as safety concerns and potential legal implications and probably therefore these strategies are not currently implemented in many countries.

Another important aspect, if redistribution of medicines becomes as a standard practice, should it be focused only on expensive medications from an economic perspective or also on cheaper medications thus maximising environmental impact?

Despite these challenges, the redistribution of medicines has the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable healthcare practices. Hospital pharmacists could play an important role into the further investigation of the feasibility and safety of medication redispensing programmes, and in developing policies and guidelines that support their implementation.

Learning objectives

After the session, the participant should be able to:

• Outline the risks and benefits associated with the redispensing of medicines used by patients at home
• Describe circularity strategies for pharmaceuticals
• Discuss the importance of the role of hospital pharmacists in these processes

Educational need addressed

This seminar covers topics on how to reduce the waste and environmental pollution created by unused medicines, and/or help save money and provide better access to medicines to people, and to what could the hospital pharmacists’ role be in these processes.

Keywords

Redispensing of medicines, medicines waste, sustainability, pharmaceutical care