Patients Practice and Knowledge of Pharmaceuticals Disposal: Example from Some Rural Areas of Croatia

Consumption of the pharmaceutical products for both human and veterinary use is constantly increasing. As the consequence considerable amount of pharmaceuticals and its metabolites is released into the environment at therapeutic concentrations. The aim of this article is to describe patient practice and knowledge of unused drugs disposal in some rural areas of Croatia. Results showed that mostly older population live in these areas with considerable co morbidity of various chronic diseases, using considerable number of pharmaceuticals. Educational level and therapy compliance is low, as well as knowledge on how to dispose unused pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, due to the relative geographical isolation there is tendency to stock various pharmaceuticals as well as self-medication. Unused drugs end up improperly disposed in the ecologically delicate environment rich in drinking water supply. Strong support from primary health care is needed as well from pharmacies for returning of unused pharmaceutical when possible or clear advice how to properly dispose them if they cannot be returned.