Survey Finds Preference for Environmentally Friendly Medicines Despite Higher Costs

A recent study conducted by Utrecht University reveals that a significant number of patients are willing to choose medicines that are more environmentally sustainable, even if they come at a higher price or are less convenient to use. The research, led by pharmacist and researcher Milad Sadreghaemy, emphasizes the need for better patient education on the impact of medicines on the environment to enable more informed healthcare decisions.

Published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the study involved a discrete choice experiment where participants repeatedly selected between two fictional medicines that differed in effectiveness, side effects, environmental impact, price, and ease of use. The findings showed that over half of the respondents preferred the greener options, demonstrating a strong preference for sustainability. However, many participants admitted to having limited knowledge about how medicines affect the environment.

Sadreghaemy highlighted a notable disconnect: people often care about sustainability in daily life, such as with organic food and reducing plastic use, yet tend not to consider the environmental implications of their medicines. An example is diclofenac, a common painkiller in the Netherlands, which can contaminate surface water and harm wildlife; antibiotics and cancer drugs can also cause significant ecological damage. The improper disposal of medications often contributes to environmental risks, with many still ending up being flushed or discarded improperly.

The study also uncovered that individuals' choices are not always consistent with their overall sustainability habits. People who buy organic food or avoid plastic don't necessarily choose eco-friendly medicines, and vice versa. This suggests that tailored health communication strategies are essential, addressing different motivations and behaviors.

Furthermore, most patients expressed willingness to return unused medicines to pharmacies, yet actual disposal practices remain problematic. Implementing simple labeling like 'Return this to your pharmacy' could improve proper medication disposal.

Sadreghaemy advocates for integrating sustainability considerations into healthcare by raising awareness among both patients and providers. Smarter medication use and improved production methods could make healthcare greener and more cost-effective.

The research involved thousands of Dutch participants, mostly over 60, and aims to include younger demographics in future studies, such as students and young adults. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of education and targeted messaging to foster environmentally conscious choices in healthcare, ultimately contributing to sustainable health systems.