Reasons why medicines are returned to Swedish pharmacies unused

Abstract

To identify the reasons and their relative importance why medicines are returned to Swedish pharmacies unused. A random sample of the pharmacies in Sweden. Interviews using a semi-structured interview form with pharmacy customers returning unused medicines to the pharmacy. Reasons given by patients/relatives/carers for returning unused medicines to the pharmacy. The four main reasons for returning unused medicines to the pharmacy were: (1) the medicines were too old, (2) the user had died, (3) there was no need for the medicine anymore, and (4) therapy changes. These reasons made up 75% of all reported reasons. Hoarding or over-supply of prescribed medicines may explain a large part of the volume of medicines that remain unused. Actions aiming to reduce waste of prescribed medicines ought to focus on those patients who contribute to a substantial part of all unused medicines.