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Drugs do not disappear once they have been excreted. In fact, 992 active principles have already been measured in the different environmental matrices. A recent study led by scientists from the University of York has studied the presence of drugs in the rivers of more than 100 different countries, showing that environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals is a global issue and that, concentrations found are frequently harmful to the environment. In this work, we have tried to briefly expose the problem of environmental contamination with medicines, but above all, we have tried to address the possible solutions, with a perspective from the field of hospital pharmacy. This is a very complex matter (a wicked problem), since it involves multiple stakeholders with different visions and interests regarding medicines. In order to find solutions, we will probably need to act at all steps of the drug's life cycle. Until now, health professionals have been part of the problem. It is time for us to be part of the solution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Drugs do not disappear once they have been excreted. In fact, 992 active principles have already been measured in the different environmental matrices. A recent study led by scientists from the University of York has studied the presence of drugs in the rivers of more than 100 different countries, showing that environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals is a global issue and that, concentrations found are frequently harmful to the environment. In this work, we have tried to briefly expose the problem of environmental contamination with medicines, but above all, we have tried to address the possible solutions, with a perspective from the field of hospital pharmacy. This is a very complex matter (a wicked problem), since it involves multiple stakeholders with different visions and interests regarding medicines. In order to find solutions, we will probably need to act at all steps of the drug's life cycle. Until now, health professionals have been part of the problem. It is time for us to be part of the solution., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: One of the main matters of drug administration into the central nervous system (CNS) is to cross the blood/brain barrier. For this reason, in some cases the drug does not reach the therapeutic level or is necessary to use some special systems to get a right administration., Aim: To present a technological system which allow continuous and direct administration of the drug into the CNS. It consists of enclosing secreting-cells of the desired product within a semipermeable polymeric matrix. Furthermore, this device could be implanted easily into the CNS which improves the access of the drug to the injured places., Development: During the last years the use of this technology has been researched in the treatment of diverse diseases affecting the CNS. Although it is important to point out that the majority of the studies done have been carried out in experimental animals therefore, it is in experimental state. The aim of this article is to review the current state of the use of cell encapsulation technology as treatment of CNS disorders., Conclusion: Taking into account the results obtained in different research works cell encapsulation technology could be a useful strategy to treat CNS disorders. However, some important matters are still to be solved out, before than technology of cell encapsulation could be a reality at clinical level.