Lost, stolen and returns of medicines

​​​​​Returns of medicines 

What to do with medicines you no longer need 

Unwanted, unused or expired medicines can be returned in a Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bin which can be found in most pharmacies.

It is illegal for a pharmacist to re-dispense medicine that has already been dispensed to another patient.

A pharmacist may not be able to give you a refund for medicines that are unwanted or unused. The decision is for the pharmacist to make. If you think refusal for a refund is unreasonable, contact ​​NSW Fair Trading​ on 133 230. 

Lost or stolen medicines 

You do not need to notify Pharmaceutical Services if your medicine or prescription is suspected to be stolen. 

If you lose your prescription medicines or suspect they were stolen, you can: 

  • Contact your doctor to inform them. The doctor can give you advice and may be able to issue a new prescription. 
  • Contact your pharmacist. Depending on the medicine, your prescription history and the circumstances, your pharmacist may be able to get you a replacement or advise you to get a new prescription. 
  • Contact the Health Direct hotline on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour health advice.
  • You may contact the police at 131 444 if you are concerned about the amount of medicine stolen or have concerns about the incident that the police may be able to advise on. 

Who to contact for medicines advice

  • ​If you have immediate concerns about a person's health and safety, call triple zero (000) or visit a hospital emergency department.
  • For 24-hour health advice you can call the Health Direct hotline at 1800 022 222. You can also visit the website at Health Direct​​​​ to check your symptoms, find a health service, or find health information.
  • For information on all types of medicines you can call the Medicines Line​​​ on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424). Calls are answered by registered pharmacists, and the service is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays).
  • The Poisons Information Centre​​​ provides the latest poisons information to the public. Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 131126 from anywhere in Australia.​


Current as at: Wednesday 29 January 2025
Contact page owner: Pharmaceutical Services