Skip to main content

Safe Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines

Safe Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines

Leftover and expired medicines should not stay in the home, where they could be taken by mistake.

General guidance

Check whether your area has a medicine take-back programme or a pharmacy that accepts returns, and use it where available. Rules differ by country and region, so follow local guidance on disposal.

Remove personal information from labels before throwing packaging away, and never share prescription medicines with other people. If you are unsure how to dispose of a product, ask your pharmacist.

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.