HEALTH bosses reckon that more than a million unwanted and potentially dangerous tablets have been handed in after a promotional drive in the region.
The campaign was mounted after an incident which led to teenagers being hospitalised after mixing alcohol and prescription drugs.
Posters, radio adverts and leaflets carrying the slogan Killer in the Cupboard, and urging people to hand in unwanted medicines ran on Tyneside, Wearside and North-umberland earlier this year.
Based on a study of medication received by staff at 30 pharmacies, the organisers have estimated that more than a million tablets have been handed in, in the area covered by the campaign.
Dr Ian Spencer, chairman of the safe disposal of prescription drugs group, said: "The quantity of drugs returned during the campaign has exceeded expectations and highlights the extent of this problem."
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