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Table 3 Unwanted or ‘when required’ medicines reported in households

From: ‘You don’t throw these things out:’ an exploration of medicines retention and disposal practices in Australian homes

 

Total medicines by category n (%)

% Expired medicines by category n (%)

TOTAL (N)

1424a

413c

Controlled medicinesb

31 (2.2)

7 (1.7)

Prescription only medicinesb

418 (29.4)

113 (27.3)

Pharmacist only medicinesb

117 (8.2)

30 (7.3)

Pharmacy medicinesb

274 (19.2)

72 (17.4)

General sale medicinesb

374 (26.3)

121 (29.3)

CAMs

128 (8.9)

43 (10.4)

  1. aIncludes 82 items that were classified as: international medicines (n = 15) or unknown (n = 67)
  2. bControlled medicines require the greatest level of restrictions in related to storage in a locked safe, supply and documentation (e.g. morphine). Over the counter medicines include Pharmacist Only Medicines, Pharmacy Medicines and general sale medicines. Pharmacist Only Medicines are restricted to pharmacy only sale and require the involvement of pharmacists in the sale. Pharmacy Medicines are restricted to pharmacy only sale whereas general sale medicines are available from supermarkets and other retail outlets
  3. cIncludes 27 items that were classified as: international medicines (n = 6) or unknown (n = 21)
  4. CAMs complementary and alternative medicines