What must a pharmacy do with outdated medications?

Pharmacies are required to handle outdated medications in a manner that complies with both state and federal regulations. This ensures that medications are disposed of safely to protect public health and the environment. The disposal process involves following specific guidelines, which can include methods like taking the medications to a registered disposal facility, following drug take-back programs, or utilizing proper destruction methods that comply with local laws.

By adhering to these regulations, pharmacies help prevent the potential misuse of medications and reduce the risk of contamination to landfills and water systems. While returning medications to manufacturers or donating them might seem like viable options, these actions often have specific requirements that may not always be applicable to all pharmacies or situations. Additionally, incinerating outdated medications without proper regulation can pose environmental hazards and is not an acceptable practice. Therefore, proper disposal in accordance with regulations is critical for safety and compliance.