How are expired medications managed in the pharmacy?

Managing expired medications in a pharmacy is a critical process to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance. When medications expire, they cannot be dispensed or used for patient care, making proper handling essential. Placing expired medications in a labeled expired tote is the standard practice because this method allows for organized tracking and ensures that these medications are segregated from available stock.

This approach facilitates later actions, such as returning the expired medications to the manufacturer, disposing of them according to local regulations, or accounting for them in inventory management. Having a designated container for expired products prevents accidental dispensing and makes it easier for pharmacy staff to handle these items in compliance with safety standards.

The other scenarios listed do not adequately address safety and regulatory requirements; for example, refilling and donating expired medications can pose significant health risks. Immediate disposal without proper processes may fail to comply with federal and state regulations. Properly identifying and managing expired medications through a labeled tote aligns with best practices in pharmacy operations.