What should expired and discolored pharmaceuticals be returned to for temporary storage?

Returning expired and discolored pharmaceuticals to the pharmacy for temporary storage is critical for a few reasons. Pharmacies are equipped to handle these types of medications appropriately and are responsible for maintaining safe and compliant practices regarding drug storage and disposal. By returning these pharmaceuticals to the pharmacy, they can be properly segregated from active inventory, assessed for safety, and disposed of according to established guidelines that align with regulatory requirements.

Inappropriate storage or disposal can lead to risks such as accidental ingestion or environmental contamination, highlighting the importance of utilizing the pharmacy as a controlled environment for managing such wastes.

Other options may not ensure the same level of care or regulatory compliance. For instance, returning to the manufacturer or supplier can complicate the logistics of disposal and may not be a feasible option for every organization. Incineration, while a viable disposal method, would typically occur after pharmaceuticals are collected and processed, rather than being a temporary storage solution.