Local NHS teams across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West are urging the public to take greater care when managing their repeat prescriptions, encouraging people to order only the medications they truly need.
Every month, our health region spends £22,000,000 on medicines, with around 2,500,000 prescriptions issued.
Approximately 75% of all prescriptions dispensed nationally are for repeat medications and it is estimated that 10% of these medicines are not required by the patient as they have sufficient supplies and end up being disposed of.
By carefully checking existing supplies before ordering a repeat prescription, patients can help reduce medicine waste and avoid stockpiling, which can contribute to shortages.
Proper disposal of expired medications is also crucial for environmental protection.
Many people mistakenly dispose of excess medicine by throwing it in household waste or flushing it down the sink, which can harm the environment. Moreover, using out-of-date medication can be ineffective or even harmful.
Local pharmacist, Nabeela Ali supports these efforts, saying: "I encourage open discussions with patients about their repeat prescriptions, ensuring they only have the medicines they need."
"I advise patients to check their medicine cabinet before placing an order. It's heartening to see more people being mindful of their prescriptions and disposing of expired medicines at their local pharmacy."
"This approach ensures people remain healthy by using the right or 'in date' medicines, while helping prevent unnecessary stockpiling. Ordering too much medication not only increases the risk of shortages for those who need it, but stockpiling can also be dangerous, especially in homes with children or pets."
The NHS reminds the public that responsible prescription management benefits everyone—helping safeguard vital medications, reducing waste, and protecting both personal health and the environment.
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