PHARMACEUTICAL PERFORMANCE IN DRUG DISPOSAL GUIDANCE AND THEIR SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Abstract

With the constant growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the great demand for the consumption of medicines to cure, treat and alleviate symptoms and diseases, the improper disposal of medicine only increases as well. Thus understanding that improper disposal entails a pyramid effect of socio-environmental consequences. Brazil is one of the 10 countries that consumes the most medicines in the world and these medicines are used irrationally caused by the culture of self-medication and the easy acquisition that can be found inside Brazilian homes in the form of "home pharmacies", and these medicines accumulate being discarded most of the time improperly, being discarded in common garbage, toilet or even in the kitchen sink. The residue of these medicines can reach the water, soil and air, polluting these environments and generating consequences for the population. The improper disposal of the drug is a real problem that must be minimized as much as possible, the population must be informed and guided by the Pharmacist on the correct way of disposing of the drug.