What is the correct procedure for handling expired medication in a pharmacy?

Handling expired medication in a pharmacy is governed by strict regulations to ensure patient safety and proper inventory management. The correct procedure involves documenting the expiration date and removing the expired medication from inventory. This action helps maintain an accurate stock level and prevents the dispensing of medications that may no longer be effective or safe to use.

By properly documenting the expiration, the pharmacy can keep track of which medications need to be assessed and potentially disposed of, ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards. Additionally, removing expired medications from inventory protects patients from the risks associated with taking outdated or potentially harmful products.

In contrast to this correct procedure, returning expired medications to the supplier immediately is not typically done unless specifically allowed by the supplier's policies, which is rare. Disposing of expired medications in the regular garbage is also not appropriate, as it can contribute to environmental hazards and is against regulations in many instances. Giving expired medications to patients is strictly prohibited as it poses serious health risks; patients should never be encouraged to use medications beyond their expiration date.