Is Your Medicine Cabinet a Danger? Cornwall Pharmacies Launch ‘Medicines Amnesty’

Pharmacies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are urging residents to clear out their medicine cabinets this March as part of a ‘medicines amnesty’ campaign, helping to keep homes safe and protect the environment.

Why It’s Time to Check Your Medicines

The campaign, launched by Community Pharmacy Cornwall with support from Cornwall Council Public Health and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, is running throughout March and encourages people to return any unused, unneeded, or expired medicines to their local pharmacy for safe disposal.

Drew Creek, chief operating officer at Community Pharmacy Cornwall, highlighted the importance of getting rid of old medications:

“Many of us have unused or expired medications at home, and it’s vital that we dispose of them safely instead of holding onto them. During March, all of Cornwall’s pharmacies are hosting the ‘medicines amnesty’ where our teams will gladly accept all unneeded or expired medicines from you.

“Having unused medication at home poses a risk to others and increases the chance of taking the wrong or expired medicines. Let’s work together to protect our loved ones and the environment by bringing these in to the pharmacies this month.”

The Hidden Risks in Your Cabinet

Old and unused medications can pose serious risks, especially to children, pets, and vulnerable family members. Keeping expired prescriptions ‘just in case’ could lead to taking the wrong medication, which can be dangerous.

Dr Eunan O’Neill, interim director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is encouraging people to take part in the amnesty while having a spring clean:

“It’s getting to that time of the year when we think about having a good spring clean so why not include clearing out your medicine cabinet at the same time? It’s easy to build up a stash of medication over time but taking old medicines, or ones that weren’t prescribed for you, can pose a health risk.

“Equally, it’s really important to dispose of them properly so why not take advantage of the amnesty this month and drop your old and unused medication into your local pharmacy?”

Protecting the Environment and Public Health

Improper disposal of medicines can also have long-term consequences for the environment. Throwing old medicines in the bin or flushing them down the toilet can pollute water systems and harm wildlife.

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, is urging the public to make use of the amnesty:

“This is yet another reason to love your local pharmacy. I encourage everyone to support this great project. If you have any medicines that are out of date or no longer needed, now is the perfect time to take them to any pharmacy for safe and proper disposal.”

Returning old antibiotics is also crucial in the fight against antibiotic resistance, which makes infections harder to treat.

Where to Take Your Medicines

Anyone with expired, unneeded, or unwanted medicines can take them to any pharmacy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly throughout March for safe disposal. More information about the campaign can be found on the Pharmacy Cornwall website.