In Australia, the protocol for the disposal of Schedule 8 medicines, also known as section 8 medicines, varies depending on the state or territory jurisdiction. The disposal methods may include the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Project in some locations, while other areas have distinct requirements.
In the Australian Capital Territory, pharmacists are required to take reasonable measures to ensure that any returned Schedule 8 medicines for disposal are recorded and destroyed in accordance with the Drugs and Poisons Regulations, specifically referring to the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008. The destruction of Schedule 8 medicines can be carried out by the pharmacist under the direct supervision of another pharmacist. In cases where a Schedule 8 medicine is in a formulation that cannot be destroyed, such as a tamper-resistant formulation, it should be rendered unusable, unrecoverable, and/or unidentifiable before being placed into the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for disposal. (1)
In New South Wales, a pharmacist discovering any Schedule 8 medicine returned by a consumer must record it in the pharmacy drug register and store it in a locked safe until destruction. The destruction of Schedule 8 medicines, whether from pharmacy stock or returned by consumers, can only be conducted by or under the direct supervision of an Inspector from the Pharmacy Council of NSW, Pharmaceutical Services of the NSW Ministry of Health, or a police officer. Once destroyed and rendered unusable, unrecoverable, and unidentifiable, the medicines may be placed in the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for disposal. This includes ampoules that contained Schedule 8 medicines and have been crushed. (2)
In Victoria, pharmacists are required to take reasonable steps to record and dispose of Schedule 8 medicines returned for disposal in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons, and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017. Pharmacists, under the direct supervision of another pharmacist, are allowed to perform the destruction of Schedule 8 medicines. The details of each destruction, including the date, drug name and strength, quantity destroyed, reason for destruction, authorized person's name and signature, as well as the witness's name and signature, must be recorded in the Schedule 8 register. After rendering the medicines unusable, they should be placed in the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for proper disposal. (3)
In Queensland, Schedule 8 drugs should NOT be placed in a Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin. Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that any controlled drugs returned for disposal are recorded and destroyed in compliance with the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulations 1996. A Controlled Drugs destruction form must be completed, included with the carefully packaged medicines, and transported to Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services. Pharmacists must keep a copy of this form as a record of the destruction. It is recommended to make an entry in the controlled drugs register noting the Schedule 8 medicines sent for destruction. This record should include the date of destruction, drug name and strength, quantity destroyed, the remaining balance of the drug, and the initials of the person making the entry. (1)
In Tasmania, pharmacists are required to take reasonable measures to record and dispose of returned Schedule 8 medicines in accordance with the Poisons Regulations 2008. Destruction of Schedule 8 medicines can be conducted by the pharmacist under the direct supervision of another pharmacist. It is important to note that pharmacists should NOT use Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bins for the disposal of Schedule 8 medicines.
All destruction activities must be meticulously recorded in the Schedule 8 register. The documentation should include the date of destruction, drug name and strength, quantity destroyed, reason for destruction, authorised person's name and signature, as well as the witness's name and signature. This ensures compliance with the regulations governing the proper disposal of Schedule 8 medicines in Tasmania. (1)
In Western Australia, pharmacists are required to take appropriate measures to ensure the recording and destruction of any returned Schedule 8 medicines align with the Drugs and Poisons regulations. The pharmacist, under the direct supervision of another pharmacist, is authorized to perform the destruction of Schedule 8 medicines. All destruction activities must be documented in the Schedule 8 register, including the date, drug name and strength, quantity destroyed, reason for destruction, authorized person's name and signature, as well as the witness's name and signature.
Once rendered unusable, the destroyed medicines should be placed in the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for disposal. It is recommended to use purpose-made controlled drug disposal kits that suspend Schedule 8 medicines in a gel, preventing retrieval. These kits enhance security, and those with a chemical neutralising agent are preferred. The disposal kit can then be securely placed in RUM bins for proper and safe disposal. (1)
In South Australia, pharmacists are advised to take reasonable measures to ensure that any Schedule 8 medicines returned for disposal are recorded and destroyed in accordance with the Drugs and Poisons Regulations. The destruction of small quantities of Schedule 8 medicines can be conducted by the pharmacist under the direct supervision of another pharmacist. All destruction activities must be documented in the Schedule 8 register, specifying the date and time of destruction, drug name and strength, quantity destroyed, reason for destruction, authorised person's name and signature, as well as the witness's name and signature. Following rendering the medicines unusable, the destroyed substances should be placed in the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for proper disposal. (1)
In the Northern Territory, pharmacists are obligated to ensure that any returned Schedule 8 medicines are recorded and disposed of in accordance with the Medicines, and Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act (NT 2012) and Regulations. The destruction of Schedule 8 medicines can be carried out by the pharmacist under the direct supervision of another pharmacist, another registered health practitioner, a veterinarian, or an authorized officer appointed under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act.
All destructions must be meticulously recorded in the Schedule 8 register, including the date and time of destruction, drug name and strength, quantity, reason for destruction, person's name and signature, as well as the witness's name and signature. Subsequently, the destroyed Schedule 8 medicines, rendered unusable and de-identified, should be placed in the Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin for proper disposal. (4)
Note: Pharmacists should check their state or territory legislative website for the latest information.
References
How to Dispose of Schedule 8 (S8) Medicines [Internet]. Return Unwanted Medicines. 2021. Available from: https://returnmed.com.au/dispose-schedule-8-s8-medicines/
Frequently asked questions - Schedule 8 (S8) medicines - Pharmacists [Internet]. www.health.nsw.gov.au. [cited 2023 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/pharmacists/Pages/faq-schedule-8-medicines.aspx#29
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017 [Internet]. www.legislation.vic.gov.au. Available from: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/statutory-rules/drugs-poisons-and-controlled-substances-regulations-2017/006
Government NT. Pharmacists [Internet]. health.nt.gov.au. 2023 [cited 2023 Dec 26]. Available from: https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/medicines-and-poisons-control2/pharmacists
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