Only order what you need

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Are your medicines stacking up? Only order what you need


Every year, about £18 million worth of medicines goes to waste in West Yorkshire. This
includes things like inhalers, pain medicine, and creams.
The NHS needs your help! Following these easy steps when ordering your medicines:
How you can help

  1. Only order what you need – before getting more, check what medicines you already
    have.
  2. Return extras – when picking up your medicines at the pharmacy, only take what
    you need. If you return something before leaving, it can likely be reused.
  3. Stick to your routine – order your medicines when you’re running low (7-10 days
    before its needed), and no earlier.
  • By doing this, you will:
  • Get the right medicines and care
  • Help reduce waste
  • Save NHS resources
  • Help reduce environmental harm
  • It’s also safer! Keeping too much medicine can cause confusion especially if your
    prescription changes and harm to children and pets in the home if they come into their
    reach.
    You are encouraged to speak with your GP or pharmacy team if there are repeat
    medicines you no longer need or want to take anymore. A more appropriate plan will
    then be discussed with you if necessary.
    If you have any questions, your GP, practice team or pharmacy team can help. Reach
    out to them for advice.
    Find out more by visiting the website: https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/campaigns/order-what-you-need