What should be done with medications that are returned to the pharmacy before their expiration date?

When medications are returned to the pharmacy before their expiration date, the preferred action is to return them to the manufacturer for credit. This process helps ensure that medications remain within their intended quality control measures and that they are not redistributed inappropriately. The manufacturer can assess the condition of the returned medication and decide whether it can be restocked or needs to be disposed of properly.

Returning medications to the manufacturer allows the pharmacy to manage inventory effectively, ensuring that only current, uncontaminated, and properly stored products are available for patient use. This approach adheres to regulatory and safety guidelines while maintaining the integrity of the pharmacy's inventory management system.

Repackaging medications may risk contamination or mislabeling, and storing returned medications for future use can pose safety concerns unless strict protocols are followed. Donating medications is often subject to strict legal and ethical guidelines and is not commonly practiced for returned stock due to the need for proper handling and storage.

Therefore, returning medications to the manufacturer aligns with standard pharmacy practices aimed at ensuring patient safety and compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.