‘The world’s first published use of “deprescribing” was in our flagship Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR) more than 20 years ago, in ‘Deprescribing: Achieving Better Health Outcomes for Older People through Reducing Medications’.

‘As medicines experts, pharmacists are best placed to detect and prevent inappropriate use of high-risk medicines that can benefit both the health of patients and the environment around us.

'This year MedsAware Week seeks to empower Australians and their carers, family and friends, together with pharmacists, doctors and other care team members, to think safely and sustainably about medicine use.

‘We’re proud to lead the MedsAware message and work with our partners to embed deprescribing as a central principle of safe, sustainable health care.’

— Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) President, Tom Simpson

'Deprescribing is an essential part of achieving quality use of medicines, ensuring that each individual is taking the right medicines at the right time. It can have broad reaching benefits for individuals including reducing pill burden, medication costs and risk of side effects and improving quality of life. This MedsAware week, we are also discussing a future where our health and the health of our planet go hand in hand.'

— Emily Reeve, ADeN Chair

'Deprescribing is a powerful tool in creating a sustainable healthcare system, through the longstanding policy of FIP – rational use of medicines. By addressing polypharmacy, pharmacists play a key role in reducing waste, lowering environmental impact, and enhancing patient safety. Building awareness for deprescribing is vital to ensuring that healthcare practices remain both effective and sustainable.'

— Paul Sinclair AM, FIP president

'We are all aware of the health harms caused by over-prescribing, with the risks of interaction of multiple medications increasing as our patients age and new comorbidities emerge. Sometimes our medications can even cause the very conditions we are trying to prevent. Medications also carry a carbon footprint, contributing about 20% of the emissions of Australian healthcare.

Deprescribing unnecessary medications can improve our patients' health and by avoiding the carbon emissions, have positive impacts on our planet's health too.

As global heating becomes increasingly alarming, we as health professionals have a responsibility to do what we can, and deprescribing is a simple effective way we can all make a contribution.'

— Distinguished Laureate Professor Nicholas J. Talley AC

'The RACGP supports reducing patients’ use of unnecessary or potentially harmful medications.

'As a person’s health changes, so do their medication needs. At the same time, we know there are people missing out on preventive medicines that could save lives.

'It’s important to see your regular GP who knows you and your medical history to review what medication you’re taking and see if any can be reduced or stopped. Its critical that you don’t stop a medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. 

'Getting the right mix of medicines for people with multiple long-term conditions is complex, and people who see different specialists often end up with a big collection of medicines. Specialist GPs are trained in patient-centred care and as generalists we support our patients to make sense of it all, and what is best for them.'

— Dr Michael Wright, RACGP President

'EAHP proudly supports MedsAware in empowering patients through deprescribing."

'Hospital pharmacists work in collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals to ensure medications can be discontinued safely and effectively when they no longer provide benefit. By reducing unnecessary medication use, we not only enhance patient health by preventing side effects, drug interactions, and nonadherence, but we also contribute to a more sustainable future. Responsible medication use reduces pharmaceutical waste, minimises environmental impact, and optimises healthcare resources—creating a healthier world for all.'

— Nenad Miljkovic, EAHP President

‘Throughout their degree, pharmacy students are taught that in many cases medicines or a combination of medicines are not appropriate for a patient. What may have been necessary to treat a patient in the past, may no longer be in their best interest. Appreciation for deprescribing is ingrained in the next generation of pharmacists.’

— Sebastian Harper, NAPSA National President

'Deprescribing not only prioritises patient safety and well-being but also reduces pharmaceutical waste, environmental pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By minimising unnecessary medication use and ensuring appropriate medication stewardship, we can lower the environmental burden of drug production, distribution, and disposal while simultaneously optimising patient outcomes. This dual-purpose approach supports both human health and planetary health, fostering a more sustainable healthcare system as a part of best practices in patient care.'

— Hayley Blackburn, Co-Founder, Rx for Climate

'Raising awareness about deprescribing is vital for enhancing patient safety and promoting environmental sustainability. Deprescribing reduces the use of unnecessary medicines, thereby decreasing potential harm to patients and lessening the environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste. The Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups (CATAG) supports deprescribing through Medicines Stewardship. By providing resources and educational tools, CATAG helps healthcare professionals implement deprescribing practices, ultimately improving patient safety and reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals.'

— Anita Shutt, Chair of CATAG

'We are all aware of the health harms caused by over-prescribing, with the risks of interaction of multiple medications increasing as our patients age and new comorbidities emerge. Sometimes our medications can even cause the very conditions we are trying to prevent. Medications also carry a carbon footprint, contributing about 20% of the emissions of Australian healthcare.

Deprescribing unnecessary medications can improve our patients' health and by avoiding the carbon emissions, have positive impacts on our planet's health too.

As global heating becomes increasingly alarming, we as health professionals have a responsibility to do what we can, and deprescribing is a simple effective way we can all make a contribution.'

— Distinguished Laureate Professor Nicholas J. Talley AC, Board Chair Doctors for the Environment Australia

'We need medicines as a tool in maintaining our health, preventing us getting sick, and curing diseases – but sometimes they cause more harm than good. With more than 1 in 5 Australians experiencing mental illness, millions of prescriptions are issued each year for anti-depressants, sleeping pills and anxiety medications.'

'While these medications are essential and can be lifesaving, patients also need an off ramp to ensure the risks of long-term use are actively monitored and managed. EACH’s Reconnexion service proudly supports deprescribing of these medications, with 40 years’ experience in supporting individuals and their GPs to navigate the process.'

'Empowering patients through education is essential and pharmacists play a vital role in providing guidance and advice around deprescribing.'

— Natalie Sullivan, CEO, EACH

'As Managing Director of Pharmacy 777 Group, I emphasise the importance of deprescribing in improving patient health by reducing unnecessary medications, minimising risks, and optimising treatment plans. Community pharmacists play a key role in ensuring medication safety through regular reviews like MedsChecks and collaborating with doctors to recommend safer, more effective therapies. Initiatives like deprescribing week encourage better conversations among healthcare providers to achieve the best health outcomes for patients.'

— Kim Brotherson, Managing Director Pharmacy 777