In 2024 alone, citizens returned over 501 kilograms of old medicines to Montefarm pharmacies, while the previous year the number was around 453 kilograms. Although the figures vary, pharmacists confirm the trend of increasing responsibility, but also warn that the chemical structure of a medicine becomes unpredictable after the expiry date.
Montefarma says that citizens who have expired medications can contact all state pharmacies. Although at first glance the old pill appears harmless, after the expiration date stamped on the package, it becomes chemically unpredictable.
"After the expiration date, the manufacturer no longer guarantees safety and efficacy. In most cases, the active substance loses its effectiveness, but there are some pharmaceutical forms, such as liquid pharmaceutical forms, such as syrups, drops, solutions, which may undergo some changes in chemical structure, or stability, and therefore be more susceptible to microbiological contamination," said the pharmacist. Milena Stojanovic.
He notes that the procedure for handing in expired medications is simple and completely free of charge in all Montefarm pharmacies. Regardless of whether it is ordinary analgesics or strictly controlled therapies such as antibiotics and hormones, the destruction route is the same for all and strictly regulated.
"It is enough to hand them over to the pharmacy, and Montefarm will then dispose of them in the prescribed manner and the authorized operator will proceed in accordance with the applicable regulations for destruction," explains Stojanović.
In addition to pharmacies, Podgorica citizens can also dispose of pharmaceutical waste at the recycling yards of the city's "Čistoća" company. Specialized containers have been placed at the entrances of these facilities to make them easily accessible to anyone who wants to protect nature from toxic substances.
"These are boxes where citizens can deposit old medicines completely free of charge, which are safely disposed of in this way. I would like to remind you that the recycling yards in Podgorica are located on Iva Vizina Street in Zabjelo, in Tološin on Mihaila Lalića Boulevard, Husinskih Rudara Street in Konik, in Donja Gorica and Orijenska Street in Zlatica. So, these are spaces that citizens can visit completely free of charge every day and, among other things, dispose of this type of waste," said Senada Mulešković from the city company "Čistoća".
Statistics show that awareness is slowly rising when it comes to going to recycling yards. Last year, the “Čistoća” GP collected 23 kilograms of medicines. However, “Čistoća” believes that this is just the beginning and reminds us of the availability of locations throughout the city that are open every day.
"Recycling yards are open every day from 7 am to 9 pm. On Saturdays from 7 am to 5 pm, there are recycling yards in Zabjelo and Tološi. So, my colleagues are here every day during that period," said Mulešković.
