YAKHAK HOEJI (약학회지)

The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea (대한약학회)
권호 표지

Evaluation of Drug Waste Minimization and Drug Disposal

가정에서 미사용된 약물처리에 대한 평가

  • Yeon, Jeong-Hwa (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Bo-Reum (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Myung-Koo (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Chong-Kil (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Jang, Je-Kwan (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Suh, Kwang-Hoon (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Oh, Min-A (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Han, Ok-Yeon (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lim, Sung-Cil (College of Pharmacy, CBITRC, Chungbuk National University)
  • Published : 2009.04.30
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Abstract

Most of families in Korea keep some medicines that has been expired or not been used for a long time, and these medicines could be causing environmental or social problems. Currently many people concerned about their health and therefore show a tendency to visit many health facilities. It eventually brings to remain more medication in home The aim of this study is to determine the drug waste minimization and drug disposal in Korean home and provide the proper guideline for them. This study were performed by visiting total randomly selected 140 homes at the Seoul area from July 23rd, 2008 to July 31st, 2008 by questionnaire. This survey comprised total 6 parts and total 22 questions. In results, 77 (55.0%) among 140 families answered to this survey. 89.6% of families keep unused medicine in the home. Most were tablet (66.3%) and syrup (19.2%) dosage type. They usually kept the unused medicine in the room (41.6%) or no certain place. 76.6% families reused the medicine and used for themselves. The reason for reuse is similar symptoms by their decision. The reason for medicine was left over is not following the prescription's direction (31.3%). They mostly dispose the unused medications by throwing into a trash can (71.4%). In conclusion, many families keeps unused medication and it could cause health and environmental problems.

Keywords

References

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