A RECENT OVERVIEW ON THE FACTORS INFLUENCING STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF MEDICINES

The usage of medications has grown drastically on a global scale, which has led to a rise in the number of medications kept in homes. But a large percentage of medications go unused, expire, and eventually end up in the trash. The first consumer guidelines for the appropriate disposal of prescription medicines were created by the FDA in collaboration with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in February 2007 and revised in October 2009. Any special disposal guidelines on the medication's label or patient information must be adhered to. Improper storage conditions can reduce the effectiveness of medicines and increase the risk of accidental poisoning, drug misuse, and health hazards, especially among children. In addition, unsafe disposal practices such as throwing medicines into household waste or flushing them into water systems contribute to environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and pharmacists, should actively educate patients and encourage responsible medication management. The implementation of medicine take-back programs and clear disposal guidelines can further promote safe practices and protect both public health and the environment.