Tonnes of unused medicines collected in Cork and Kerry

MORE than 3.2 tonnes of unused medicines have been collected in Cork and Kerry, as part of a HSE campaign to dispose of them safely.

Approximately 265 bins of medicines have been destroyed as part of the free Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly (DUMP) campaign which was organised by the HSE and community pharmacists in the two counties.

In Cork, more than 2,541.80kg of unused or out-of-date medicines were deposited in special collection bins placed in participating pharmacies.

The haul compared to 1,594.20kg collected during a similar campaign three years ago.

In Kerry, the 2010 campaign saw more than 751.80kg of medicines collected, compared to 395.60kg in 2007.

HSE community pharmacist Louise Creed said the results for the 2010 DUMP campaign were very encouraging.

“People in Cork and Kerry availed of the free disposal service and returned more than 3.2 tonnes of medicines to pharmacies throughout the region. This campaign not only gave people the opportunity to get rid of out of date or unused medicines, but it has also raised the public’s awareness of how excess medicines in the home can pose a hazard, particularly to children or other vulnerable people,” she said.

As well as the hazards posed by overdose, accidental poisoning and damage to the environment, medicines can change when out of date and may end up being harmful to those who take them.

“We would, therefore, also encourage people to discuss their prescription regularly with their doctor or pharmacist as they may already have enough medicine at home and may not need to get the full prescription dispensed.” The initiative was supported by city and county councils in Cork.