Only Order What You Need

The NHS spends an estimated £300m on unused medicines each year. We need your help to reduce this.
Every pound spent on wasted medicines is a pound less than can be spent on delivering NHS services.
Medicines waste happens when too much medication is order that isn’t needed, medicine is stockpiled at home or prescriptions aren’t checked before leaving the pharmacy.
What can you do? Everyone has a part to play in reducing medicines waste.
  • Plan ahead – make a note in your calendar before your prescription due date to go through your medicines and see what you need.
  • Keep track of what medication you’re taking – don’t continue to order medicines you are no longer taking or where you have lots at home.
  • Only order the medicines you need – when putting in your next medicine order, look at what you currently have available and only order what you need.
  • Check your medication before you leave the pharmacy – make sure you only have the medications you need. Anything that leaves the pharmacy cannot be reused.
  • Review your medications at your GP practice or pharmacy – if you’re not taking your medicine as prescribed, contact your GP or pharmacy for a medicine review.

Published: Jul 3, 2025