Abstract

MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

Nitin Kumar, Rohit Kumar Trivedi*, Ganesh Kumar and Avinash Kumar Sainy

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical waste, including discarded, contaminated, or expired medications, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. A growing concern is the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in various ecosystems, resulting from improper disposal and waste discharge. The US Environmental Protection Agency has identified many prescription drugs, including estrogenic hormones and antibiotics, as contaminants in drinking water. In India, pharmaceutical waste production from healthcare facilities is significant, with APIs found in wastewater at levels harmful to aquatic life. Pharmaceutical waste can be classified into three categories: hazardous, non-hazardous, and chemo waste. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of local resources and the environment, impacting wildlife and potentially causing drug-resistant bacteria to evolve. Disposal costs are often higher than drug production costs, posing financial burdens on governments and healthcare systems. Pharmacists have a critical role in mitigating the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals through promoting proper drug disposal practices and informing patients about disposal options. Changes in pharmaceutical education, including incorporating information about proper drug disposal and the environmental aspects of medication use, can help pharmacists address this growing issue. Cross-sector collaboration and interaction are crucial in developing effective pharmaceutical waste management strategies. By fostering greater awareness of the hazards associated with improper disposal, healthcare professionals and patients can contribute to reducing the environmental burden of unused and expired medications.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical waste, Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), Environmental impact, Drug disposal practices, Pharmacist education.