A local NHS trust in Tayside is to raise awareness of the millions of pounds' worth of medication that is wasted each year.

According to the Kirriemuir Herald, some £100 million is wasted each year as a result of people taking out a prescription and then not using it. Many bin it, although many also return it to their local pharmacy, which is the correct course of action.

The money wasted could be used to better effect, the campaign has stated. It could pay for 230 treatments for breast cancer, 3500 dementia treatments and help towards 940 hip replacements.

As such, Tayside NHS has suggested people visit their local pharmacy or GP for a medication review on a regular basis. If they are unable to make such a visit on their own but are being cared for by those in domiciliary care jobs, they could even ask their carer to take them. Either way, making the trip could help towards saving some of this wasted money.

NHS Tayside representative, Dr Michelle Watts, explained why the campaign had to be launched: "Medicines waste is a serious and growing problem...some 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. Having a medicines review with your GP will also help to make sure patients are still receiving the most appropriate medication for their condition."

Watts concluded her advice in the Brechin Advertiser, adding that patients who have stopped taking a medication for any reason should include their pharmacist or GP in their decision.