README.txt

1. General Information

Dataset title:
Data on pharmaceutical waste collected during the study

Author / Creator:
Artyom Izotov
University of Tartu, Institute of Pharmacy
Contact: artjom02@ut.ee

Description:
This dataset contains data collected during the period 09.04.2024–30.05.2025 on pharmaceutical waste returned by residents of Estonia (Narva and Tartu) to community pharmacies.
The data were collected to analyse the structure and economic value of expired or unused medicines.

For each medicine, the dataset provides the ATC code, trade name, active ingredients, dosage form, strength, package size, expiry date, number of returned units, retail price and estimated cost.
In addition, information is provided on the pharmaceutical waste collection period, the data collection date, the name of the pharmacy, and its location.

The dataset enables assessment of the structure of pharmaceutical waste by ATC group, active substance, dosage form, and economic value, as well as analysis of medicine use and waste generation patterns across regions.

File: Tabel_Ravimijaatmed_Artjom_Izotov.xlsx
– contains all records of pharmaceutical waste collected during the study; each row represents one returned medicine.

2. Methodology

Data collection:
Data were collected between 09.04.2024 and 30.05.2025 from ten pharmacies (five in Tartu and five in Narva).
Pharmacies were selected based on regional and socio-economic characteristics to ensure diversity of the sample.
Collection took place over a fixed two-week period at each pharmacy.
All data were recorded by the author on-site, following pharmaceutical waste handling and safety regulations.

Data sources:

Returned human medicines with valid marketing authorization

Ravimiregister (for product name, ATC code, active substance)

Raviminfo.ee (for retail price data)

Data processing and analysis:

All medicine packages were documented by photographing.

Data were entered and processed using Microsoft Excel 365.

The estimated cost of returned medicines was calculated as:
Cost = (Number of returned units / Package size) x Retail price

3. Data Structure

Column names and definitions:

Column name - Description
ID - Record number (unique identifier)
ATC code - International ATC classification code
Medicinal product - Trade name of the medicine
Active ingredient I-IX - Active substances of the medicine (up to nine possible)
Dosage form - Pharmaceutical form (e.g., tablets, capsules, syrup, ointment)
Strength I-IX - Amount of active ingredient per unit
Unit I-IX - Unit of measurement (e.g., mg, ml, g)
Package size - Number of units in the original package
Size unit - Type of unit 
Expiry date - Expiration date as stated on the package
Number of units	- Quantity of returned medicine units
Retail price - Minimum retail price in Estonia during the collection period
Cost - Estimated cost of the returned medicine
Waste collection period - Period during which the pharmacy accepted returned medicines
Data collection date - Date when data were recorded
Pharmacy - Name of the pharmacy
Location - City where the pharmacy is located (Tartu or Narva)

Units of measurement:

Strength: mg, ml, g or other relevant unit

Quantities: units (tbl, capsule, ml, g)

Prices and costs: euros 

Dates: format DD.MM.YYYY 

Missing data:

If data are unavailable (e.g., expiry date unknown), the cell contains “Info puudub” (“Information missing”).

Abbreviations:

ATC - Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (WHO)

tbl - tablets

kapsl - capsules

4. Notes

The dataset contains no personal data and does not allow identification of individuals.

Pharmacy names are included for contextual reference only; they are anonymized for statistical analysis.

Retail prices reflect the situation during the collection period (09.04.2024 - 30.05.2025) and may have changed subsequently.