Disposal of expired drugs and the perception of residents in the municipality of Pombal – PB

Abstract

This research aimed to conduct a survey of the disposal and collection of expired drugs in pharmacies and drugstores in the city of Pombal - PB, and verify the perception of residents on this subject.  The methodology used consisted in the application of two questionnaires, one for the establishments, and the other for the residents, and later, the data were processed. Of the pharmacies that answered the questionnaire, 50% said they received the drugs and intended for a private company specialized for incineration, and the other 50% said they did not perform such action. About the habit of keeping medicines at home, 95% of the interviewees stated that they store medications in the residence, and of these, 91% reported taking all care to leave it out of reach of children. Regarding the disposal of expired drugs, the majority discards in the common waste (68%) or in the sink/toilet (23%).  In the matter, the majority (91%) stated that they had not received any instruction on the disposal and storage of expired medicines. Even if not receiving information on the subject, it is clear that most are aware of the risks of irregular disposal. It is concluded that most of the interviewees are aware of the negative impacts, but still perform the inadequate disposal, probably because there is no greater orientation of government agencies. It is necessary and urgent compliance with the laws by the establishments, and greater dissemination to the population.