How should outdated drugs be handled?

Outdated drugs must be segregated from regular stock to prevent their unintentional dispensing or use. This practice ensures that patients are not exposed to medications that may have lost potency or safety due to expiration. By keeping outdated drugs separated, it allows for easier identification and proper disposal or return to the manufacturer as needed.

Segregation is critical in maintaining the integrity of a pharmacy’s inventory and protecting patient safety. Other handling methods, such as returning outdated drugs to the manufacturer or changing expiration dates, are not standard practices and could compromise both regulatory compliance and patient care. Segregating outdated drugs aligns with best practices in pharmacy operations and regulatory standards.