Nature and extent of direct cost of left over and expiredmedications: A community-based study
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Keywords
unused medication, cost, saudi arabia, economic impact
Abstract
Background: Medications including unused ones, might lead to financial and environmental costs. Not only they could have economic impact but also, harm the population safety. However, the nature and extent of leftover and unused medications in Saudi families and its economic impact remain unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the potential economic cost of the unused medications in Saudi households. Method : A crosssectional, observational study was conducted using a snowball method for recruiting the families. Descriptive data were collected face to face using a structured questionnaire. Result: A total of 116 family included in the study, 536 unused medications were found in their houses during the study period (December 2021- April 2022). Approximately, 42 % (227) of unused medications were stopped due to symptoms improvement. A total of 56 types of unused medications with different dosage forms were found at houses because of receiving excess medication in the packet (17%, 90) and purchased for emergency (14% 78) use. The total cost was SR 26249. ($ 6995.60) for the unused medications which found at 116 households. Of the total 41(34%) of the total households with unused medication have unused medication range between 1-99SR. The stoke of left over medication worth of above 500 SR for around six (5%) of the families. Conclusion: A significant number of unused medications were found at family’s. The study also identified that there were different reasons for unused medications that can be prevented. The unused medications result in relatively high economic impact. Educational interventions are highly needed for families on unused medications.
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