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The Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan is once again encouraging residents of the province to return unused medications to their local pharmacy in an effort to prevent misuse.
According to the association, its first public awareness campaign on the subject, which was launched in October of 2022, led to a 19 per cent increase in medication returns around the province. The campaign has been run every year since, leading to the collection of more than 120,000 kilograms of waste medication.
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This year’s campaign, which the association said includes billboard advertisements and social media posts, kicks off on Thursday and runs until March 31.
A billboard advertisement, which will be on display during the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan’s annual campaign encouraging the public to return unused medication. (Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan/Submitted)
“Every pharmacy visit is an opportunity to remind people that medications they no longer need should not sit unused at home,” Michael Fougere, the association’s CEO, said in a statement.
“Returning unused and expired medications to a pharmacy is a simple step Saskatchewan residents can take to help prevent medication misuse and ensure these products are disposed of safely.”
Unused medicine can be returned to pharmacies across the province, the association noted. Individuals returning medication were asked to scratch out any patient information on the bottles and place the medicine into a clear, plastic bag before handing it over.
After unused medication is returned, the association said it is disposed of in a safe manner.
“Pharmacy professionals see firsthand the important role medications play in people’s health, and they also understand the risks when medications are used incorrectly or left where they can be accessed by others,” Fougere added.
“By bringing unwanted medications back to a pharmacy, Saskatchewan residents can help keep them out of the wrong hands and out of the environment, while pharmacists ensure they are handled and disposed of appropriately.”
