Written Question·Department of Health and Social Care·UIN 92741

Prescription Drugs

Tabled: 19 November 2025
Answered: 27 November 2025

Question

Jim McMahon

Labour (Co-op)Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of unused medication held by patients in England.

Answer

Dr Zubir Ahmed

No assessment has been made of the cost of unused medication held by patients in England. The Government seeks to have a coordinated approach to prevent wastage as much as possible to improve inefficiencies and reduce costs for the taxpayer.

Primary care networks are required to ensure that Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) for high-risk cohorts are implemented. SMRs are an evidence based comprehensive review of a person’s medication, their views, concerns, and safety. The use of SMRs can reduce harmful polypharmacy and medicine wastage.