Abstract

Pharmaceutical waste has become a major environmental concern, endangering both human and environmental health. The disposal of unneeded or expired pharmaceuticals has become a serious concern, leading to environmental contamination and the spread of pharmaceutical residues. The global increase in pharmaceutical use has led in an increase in ailments such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular difficulties, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. This has resulted in a large increase in the demand for several pharmaceutical subcategories, such as hypertension medications, cholesterollowering compounds, diabetes therapies, and antidepressants. Because of their ease of availability and price, Over- The-Counter (OTC) drugs, particularly pain relievers, have been widely used. Numerous studies have found that people all around the world rely heavily on OTC medications. The COVID-19 epidemic has heightened worries about self-medication behaviors, as people turn to over-the-counter medications like ivermectin for preventative or symptomatic therapy, adding to pharmaceutical waste and potentially negative environmental repercussions. Antibiotic misuse is one of the most alarming parts of pharmaceutical waste since it results in their release into the environment, increasing the worldwide antibiotic resistance dilemma. Pharmaceutical residues in bodies of water can disturb aquatic ecosystems, affecting plant and animal life. Pharmaceutical waste improperly disposed of contaminates water sources, exposing people to potentially dangerous active pharmaceutical chemicals. It can also diminish the efficiency of important treatments, potentially rendering previously curable conditions fatal. Inadequate disposal techniques and inadequate wastewater treatment contribute to drugs being present in the environment, hurting aquatic creatures and altering ecological equilibrium. Concerns have been raised about the absorption of drugs by terrestrial animals and soil-dwelling invertebrates. Effective waste management techniques are required to limit the consequences of incorrect pharmaceutical waste disposal. Pharmaceutical take-back programs, prescription return facilities, and appropriate disposal procedures can all assist to limit the quantity of medicine that ends up in landfills and waterways. It is critical to educate the public about the dangers of incorrect pharmaceutical waste disposal. Individuals can be empowered to adopt responsible waste management behaviors by encouraging correct disposal procedures and promoting pharmaceutical take-back programs. To maintain safe waste disposal processes, collaboration between healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical firms, regulatory bodies, and the public is required. Finally, pharmaceutical waste is a major environmental concern, causing water and soil contamination and leading to antibiotic resistance. To address this issue, education programs must be strengthened. To develop correct disposal methods, waste management programs and pharmaceutical regulations are used. It is critical to recognize pharmaceutical waste as a worldwide environmental danger to address public health concerns.

Keywords:Expired; Medicine; Pharmaceutical waste; Unused drug; Pharmaceutical legislation; Pollution; Antibiotic resistance; Community education; Improper disposal; pharmaceutical industry; public health.