NHS Tayside wastes £1.4 million per year on unused medicines.
The figure was revealed as a new scheme to reduce avoidable drug waste was launched.
Unused medicines cost the NHS in Scotland between £12 million and £18 million a year, according to Audit Scotland.
People on repeat prescriptions are being encouraged to take note of what they are taking and discuss with their community pharmacist if they need to make changes.
The NHS believes this could reduce waste.
The organisation also recommends people let their doctor know if they have stopped needing a repeat prescription, checking whether they have medication before ordering more and thinking carefully about ticking all the medicines on a repeat prescription form, in case there is no need for them.
Lesley McLay, chief executive of NHS Tayside, said: “The Let’s Talk Medicines initiative is a public campaign to raise awareness of the importance of knowing what medicine you are taking.
“We are encouraging people to come and have a chat with their local pharmacist, to discuss what medicine they are taking on a regular basis. People can also talk to their GP about the medicines they take.
“There is also a lot of work between departments across NHS Tayside to reduce the amount of unused medicine waste.
“Often people do not realise the cost unused medicines can incur.”
NHS Tayside director of pharmacy, Frances Rooney, said: “We know many patients, especially those who are taking several different medicines, may be unsure why each medicine has been prescribed or how often they should be taking it.
“Others may experience side effects that they are worried about or have stopped taking certain medicines as they no longer think they need them but have never mentioned this to their pharmacist or GP.
“Having a medicines review with your GP will also help to make sure patients are still receiving the most appropriate medication for their condition. You should also let your GP or your pharmacist know if you have stopped taking any of your medication for any reason.
“Medicines that are no longer required and are wasted is a serious and growing problem for NHS Tayside. Sometimes patients or carers order repeat prescriptions they don’t really need and stockpile them at home. This can lead to huge amounts of medicines being wasted.
“Many people may not know that unused medicines cannot be recycled. Once medicines have left the pharmacy they cannot be re-used and must be incinerated, even if they are unopened.
The Let’s Talk Medicines initiative is part of a wider NHS programme – Value your NHS – encouraging staff, patients and the general public to engage and be informed about the challenges facing the NHS in the coming years.
