it has reached its expiry date. Eye drops in particular have a shortened life span once opened and should be discarded as stated on the label. Carers will seek advice from the person’s / another pharmacist before administering medication if they are unsure about its shelf life
it may not be safe to use, for example because it was not stored correctly, spilled or taken out of the container but not administered. Carers will seek advice from the person’s / another pharmacist about how to dispose of a wasted dose
the person dies. Carers will retain medications for 7 days after the date of death in case they are required by the Coroner’s Office
13.2
Carers will:
encourage people with capacity to return their own unwanted / unused medication to a pharmacy if they are able to
return unwanted / unused medications to a pharmacy for disposal (with the person’s consent if the person has capacity)
ensure that, where appropriate, the return of the medication is recorded on the MAR sheet
Follow the guidance on returning controlled drugs (see section 8 for link). When in use the MAR sheet should be signed by the pharmacist when controlled drugs are returned
13.3
When a person leaves a shared lives placement, their medication must be returned to them or where appropriate for safety reason to the family/carers.
13.4
Carers must clearly mark unwanted medication and keep it in a secure storage, separate from medication currently in use until it can be returned to the person, or pharmacy for disposal as appropriate.
13.5
When medication is taken to the pharmacy for disposal, the carer should ask for, and retain a receipt and update stock records.
Sharps boxes
13.6
Used syringes or needles must be placed in a sharps box. Carers must seal the box when full and take it to a pharmacy for the contents to be disposed of.
13.7
Medical professionals are responsible for the safe disposal of syringes or needles that they have used in any of our services.
