The message this Pharmacy Month is to handle medication with due care and to dispose of expired medication appropriately.

City Health celebrates Pharmacy Month along with other Pharmaceutical Services countrywide each September.

This year the message is that residents take appropriate care of the medication that is kept in the home.

Key aspects to always keep top of mind include:

Always complete the course of medication prescribed, where indicated

Keep medicine out of reach of children

Store medicine as advised by the pharmacist or as indicated on the container, or packaging

Always check the expiry date, which most times will be printed close to the abbreviation EXP/VERVAL

Inform your physician as soon as possible of any adverse effects experienced when taking medication

‘We also want to encourage residents to do a ‘spring clean’ of the medication they have in the home. In most homes, both over the counter and prescription medication starts piling up over time. However, as time passes it reaches expiry dates. Expired medication should never be taken and an audit of what is in the medicine cupboard is advised every few months,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Expired medication must be disposed of in an appropriate manner, which does not include the bin. City Health advises residents to return unwanted medication to their nearest clinic, or any privately-run pharmacy for safe disposal and destruction.

The items should be placed in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent spillage and must be clearly marked ‘Expired Medication: Healthcare Risk Waste’.

It is forbidden to dispose of pharmaceutical waste and sharps such as needles, surgical blades, stitch cutters and syringes into the general waste bin at home, or to dump it.

This type of illegal disposal of waste can cause injuries to the public as well as health problems due to contamination of the soil and water resources. Recent studies have shown that traces of medication are being found in rivers and the sea.

‘We would like to appeal to our residents to work with the City to prevent that type of contamination of our environment,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

For the disposal of needles, syringes and blades, etc. City Health advises the following:

STEP 1: Place sharp items in a rigid, puncture�proof plastic container, such as plastic fabric softener container, detergent bottles or milk bottles

STEP 2: Replace the lid of the container and tighten

STEP 3: Once the container is full, reinforce its lid with heavy duty tape

STEP 4: Clearly mark the container ‘Sharps: Healthcare Risk Waste/Non-Recyclable’

‘On another important matter, we urge clients on chronic medication to please collect their medicine packs timeously, as prescribed. Not all patients keep to their schedules, which means they might be interrupting the treatment which could have negative implications for their health. Many facilities are distributing pre-packaged medication to clients with chronic diseases with collection systems in place to reduce waiting times. So, if you’re a chronic client or know somebody who is, please remind them to collect their medication on time and take it as prescribed.

‘Our pharmacy staff provide valuable services and are key stakeholders in our efforts to build a healthier city. We want to use this opportunity to thank them for their hard work, dedication and care provided to our clients,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Source: City Of Cape Town