Environmentally conscious use of medicinal products

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Environmentally conscious use of medicines

Patients can help reducing adverse environmental impacts of pharmaceutical substances.

Source: KMPZZZ / Adobe Stock

In matters of health, too, it is important to act in an environmentally conscious way. Patients can help prevent the negative environmental effects of pharmaceuticals. For example, disease prevention, considering non-medicinal treatments, and the responsible use of medicines all contribute to environmental protection.

Table of Contents

In today's world, it is more important than ever to reconsider our impact on the environment. The healthcare sector also has a role to play, and we can contribute by reviewing and improving the way we use medicinal products.

These tips are designed to help you, as a patient, reduce the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment without compromising your own health. It is essential to emphasise that these recommendations do not suggest altering the treatment prescribed by your doctor or forgoing vital medicines when you are ill. Rather, they are intended to encourage informed choices, keeping the environmental impact of your healthcare in mind and minimising it where possible.

List of suggestions for preventing the release of pharmaceuticals into the environment. Text content: Checklist: Eco-friendly Use of Medications
Checklist: Eco-friendly Use of Medications

How can I, as a patient, contribute to reducing the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment?

Source: CC-BY 4.0 German Environment Agency, Ecologic Institute 2023
 

Preventing illness and reducing medication intake

One of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of medicinal products is to prevent illnesses and minimise the need for medication. This can be achieved through measures such as:

  • Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep strengthen the immune and cardiovascular systems, helping to prevent illnesses.
  • Stress reduction: Stress can cause or worsen health problems. Regularly practising relaxation techniques can help reduce the need for medication.
  • Quitting smoking: Giving up smoking is one of the best steps you can take to improve your health, as it lowers the risk of numerous diseases.
  • Avoiding alcohol: For optimal physical health, it is best to refrain from drinking alcohol.
  • Vaccinations: Immunisations are an important preventive measure to protect against infectious diseases. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about recommended vaccinations.
Photo depicting a healthy lifestyle: nutrition with fruit and vegetables in a heart-shaped bowl, physical fitness with sneakers, yoga mat, dumbbells, water bottle, and scale.
Live healthily – Reduce taking medication

By staying active, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol, illnesses can be prevented and the need for medications can be reduced.

Source: Chinnapong / Adobe Stock
 

Considering non-medication treatments

In some cases, non-medicinal therapies can be an effective option. Here are some examples:

  • Physiotherapy: For muscular complaints or injuries, physiotherapy can be an effective alternative to medication.
  • Home remedies: For mild ailments such as colds or minor pain, home remedies like rest, hot water bottles, cold compresses, and herbal teas can often provide relief.

If drugs are unavoidable, you can ask your doctor about more environmentally friendly drugs or treatment options. For some medicines, there may be pharmaceutical substances or application forms that have a lower environmental impact.

Further information: Prescribing drugs: Environmental aspects

Photo of a bed featuring a hot water bottle and a serving board with a glass of honey, a cup of tea, ginger root, a lemon and a note saying “Get well soon”.
Home remedies for mild symptoms

Bed rest, a hot water bottle, calf compresses, or tea can be enough to overcome mild symptoms.

Source: photophonie / Adobe Stock
 

Responsible use of drugs

If you take medication, it is essential to act responsibly and minimise its environmental impact. Here are some steps you should follow:

  • Recommended dosage: Strictly follow the prescribed dosage. Taking more medication than recommended does not usually speed up recovery. Many excess pharmaceuticals are excreted by the body without effect, unnecessarily polluting wastewater and water bodies or increasing the risk of side effects.
  • Treatment duration: Do not extend or shorten your treatment. Follow the instructions given by your doctor, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet.
  • Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused medicines properly.

Further information: Environmentally friendly disposal of leftover drugs

Overall, you can make a significant contribution to reducing the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment by acting responsibly and considering more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Elderly woman holds a blister pack with orange pills, large package leaflet in the background
Follow the package leaflet for the sake of the environment

Strictly follow the recommended dosage for medications. Many overdosed pharmaceutical substances are excreted by the body without effect and unnecessarily burden water bodies.

Source: agenturfotografin / Adobe Stock
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 Human medicinal products  environment  pharmaceuticals  medicines  application  Patient