Medications rational use to prevent incorrect disposal

Pharmacotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for the treatment of diseases, however the increased use of medications by the population rise the need of a better dispensation quality. In this context, the present study aimed to collect data regarding the use of medications and how they are disposed of in Boa Esperança, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 105 individuals aged from 15 to 70 years old were interviewed. The obtained results were: 77.33% perform self-medication; 30.48% present chronic diseases; 43.81% use medications; 79.04% acquire medications at the drugstores; 40% have knowledge regarding correct medications disposal; 59.04% store medications in disuse; 61.92% discard overdue medications in the common trash, and 97.14% believe the medications are polluting agents to the environment. According to the data presented, it is observed that it is imperative the creation of public policies to educate or even inform users, along with pharmacists in public or private assistance, via pamphlets, posters, lectures, and advertisements about the medications use and disposal. The goal is to prevent these substances surplus since the population receives no guidance or sufficient knowledge to carry out this practice