Implementation of the Reverse Drug Collection Point in a Higher Education Institution of the Federal District

Abstract

Objective: To provide the academic and social community with the correct storage and disposal practices for expired, disused and/or inappropriate medicines in the higher education institution in the Federal District. Method: The collection of medicines took place within one year, between 2018 and 2019. The permanent collection box was opened at the Higher Education Institution and the manual counting of all discarded medicines. The drugs were listed in a spreadsheet according to bioequivalence classification, routes of administration, pharmaceutical forms, validity, preparation and therapeutic class. Results: Thus, the fixed active point of collection of discarded medicines in the Higher Education Institution provides a great social and environmental impact, collaborating with orientations in the society as well as promoting a permanent action of assistance to the government agencies to promote actions of correct destination of. medications that have been discarded. In the period of 1 (one) year, out of a total of 922 units, being 84 different drugs, the predominance was similar drugs. Among the routes of administration, the drugs administered orally were the most discarded. In addition, it is observed that this point was installed 1 year ago, that is, in August 2018, and medicines have been counted since 2012, that is, the population has the habit of storing these medicines even at home. Conclusion: There was a need for better clarification on the subject through incentive and orientation campaigns, as to the appropriate destination for drug residues and promotion of the rational use of medicines, in order to make society aware of the moderate use of medicines and implementation of collection points accessible to the population.