Only order what you need (London wide medicines waste campaign)

Nationally, unused medicines cost the NHS £300 million every year. Medicines waste affects everyone, causing medicines shortages and harming our environment.

Most NHS prescriptions are repeats, with the highest usage among older people on multiple medicines. Many patients order all items, even when they still have some at home. The London wide ‘only order what you need’ campaign encourages people to only order medicines they truly need. This campaign is running from March to May 2026, and includes advertising across YouTube, Facebook, Gold Radio London and at targeted bus tops. There will also be advertorials in community media and local publications.

The campaign aims to help people make informed choices about their repeat prescriptions, avoid stockpiling, and safely dispose of unwanted medicines.

We’re reminding patients to:

• Check how much medicine they have left before ordering their repeat prescription and only order those they need more of. If they still have enough to last, they can wait until next time before ordering more.
• Speak to their GP about a medication review if medicines are not being used, to make sure their prescription is right for them.
• Check their prescription bag before leaving the pharmacy and return any medicines they do not need.
• Dispose of unused medicines safely by dropping these off at their local pharmacy.

Only ordering medicines that are needed helps keep patients safe by reducing the risk of medicines going out of date and working less effectively. It also helps prevent shortages and protects the supply for others who rely on the same medicines.

How can GPs support?

We’re asking all North east London GPs to encourage patients to be mindful when ordering their medicines and to take the above simple steps before ordering. Our pharmacy and medicines optimisation team and local pharmacists will also be reinforcing this important message.

Patients may be in touch with your practice to request a medication review if medicines are going unused. We thank you for your support in helping patients to make sure their prescription remains right for them.

Please look out for and support messages on the ICB Facebook, Nextdoor and LinkedIn and help spread the word. You can read a blog from Natasha Callender, Head of Medicines Optimisation at NEL ICB.

You can also help by displaying the ‘only order what you need’ campaign materials in your practice. You can find posters (including digital screen posters) and other campaign assets here.

If you would like printed campaign resources contact our comms team: nelondonicb.nelcommunications@nhs.net