Across Norfolk and Waveney, doctors, pharmacists and NHS teams are coming together to tackle a problem that costs the NHS an estimated £300 million every year — wasted medicines. From unused tablets gathering dust in cupboards, to unopened inhalers returned to pharmacies, thousands of pounds’ worth of prescriptions go to waste locally each month.

Not only does this put a strain on NHS budgets, it can also make it harder for people to get the medicines they rely on. To help tackle the problem, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board is launching a new campaign encouraging everyone to take a closer look at their repeat prescriptions — and only order what they truly need.

Wasted medicines can’t be recycled or given to someone else. Once returned to a pharmacy, they must be destroyed, even if the packaging is unopened. That means:

• Money is lost that could fund more doctors, nurses, and vital services.
• Pharmacies face extra workload sorting and safely disposing of unused medicines.
• Ordering medicines you don’t need can contribute to temporary shortages, making it harder for other patients to get their prescriptions.

Making a small change to how you order and store your medicines can have a big impact. Here’s what you can do right now:

• Check before you order. Before requesting a repeat prescription, take a quick look in your cupboard. Do you still have enough for another week or two? If so, you can wait before reordering.
• Only order what you need. Repeat prescription items stay on your list even if you don’t order them every time. Skipping an item you don’t currently need won’t stop it from being available in future.
• Keep medicines in one safe place. Store all your medicines together (and out of reach of children or pets). This makes it easier to keep track of what you have and prevents duplicate orders.
• Finish one pack before starting the next. This helps you stay organised and ensures you don’t accidentally open several packs at once.
• Set a reminder. Mark a date in your phone or calendar 7–10 days before you’re due to run out. That way, you can order in time without building up a surplus.
• Return unused medicines to a pharmacy. Never put medicines in the bin or flush them away — it’s unsafe for the environment. Take them to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Talk to your GP or pharmacist. If you’re not sure whether you still need a medicine, or your treatment has changed, speak to a healthcare professional before reordering.
• Help someone else get organised. If you order medicines for a family member, neighbour or friend, follow these same steps to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “Every unopened box or unused packet represents money, time and resources that could have been used for patient care. By making a habit of only ordering what you truly need, you’re helping protect NHS services and ensuring medicines are available for those who rely on them most. This is a change that every single one of us can make — and together, it will make a huge difference.”

Medicines waste also harms the environment. By returning unused medicines to your pharmacy, you help prevent chemicals from polluting our rivers and seas. Empty inhalers can also be handed back, stopping harmful greenhouse gases from leaking into the atmosphere if they end up in landfill. Cardboard and paper packaging can be recycled at home. And by only ordering what you need, you’re helping the planet too — because once medicines have left the pharmacy, they cannot be reused or recycled.

Michael Dennis, Associate Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation (Chief Pharmacist) for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, added: “When patients only request what they need, it means less waste, fewer shortages, and more time for pharmacy teams to deliver other vital services — from health checks to urgent care. It’s a win for everyone.”

If you’re admitted to hospital — whether it’s planned or unexpected — take your current medicines with you if you can. This helps hospital staff see exactly what you take and when, and reduces the risk of missed doses.

Cutting waste means more medicines for those who need them, more money for NHS care, and a stronger, more sustainable health service for Norfolk and Waveney.

For more information and advice visit: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/reducing-medicines-waste/