What must happen to expired medications in a pharmacy?

Expired medications in a pharmacy must be disposed of properly to ensure safety and compliance with legal regulations. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent potential harm that could arise from administering expired products, which may have reduced efficacy or could be harmful to patients. Furthermore, improper handling of expired medications could pose environmental hazards if not disposed of following guidelines set by health authorities.

Regulations usually require pharmacies to follow specific protocols when disposing of expired medications, which could include returning them to a designated waste disposal facility or following protocols indicated by local health regulations. By ensuring that expired medications are handled correctly, pharmacies help maintain patient safety and contribute to public health.

Keeping expired medications with active ones or storing them indefinitely is not compliant with safety standards. Returning expired medications to the supplier is typically not an option, as suppliers have clear policies about the return of expired stock. The choice regarding proper disposal aligns with best practices in pharmacy management and legal requirements in Saskatchewan.