CAMPAIGN OF DISPOSAL UNWANTED MEDICINES. PHARMACY - UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA

People have at their disposal a large amount of drugs that are expected to achieve positive benefits. This paper describes the most relevant results of a campaign organized in August and September 2015, at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Costa Rica to collect unused drugs. The campaign was conducted in a process that includes advertising, collection and disposal of unused drugs. 150 people returned 122.000 units (500 kg) of their unused drugs; women in greater numbers (55%), elderly people (38%) and others sources (2%). Most drugs in tablets and capsules for the treatment of chronic diseases and classified according to ATC cardiovascular (32%) - gastrointestinal (14%) - the nervous system (10%) - musculoskeletal (10%) - the system Respiratory (7%) and infections agents (7%). They were returned especially as the due date (71%), the oversupply (10%) and the change in treatment (6%). The approximate cost of these drugs was $ 157.000 and treated prior to disposal. We must all work together to make proper use of inputs available without harming people or the environment.