What must be done with expired medications in a pharmacy?

Expired medications must be disposed of according to local regulations to ensure safety and compliance with environmental guidelines. This process typically involves following specific protocols established by state and federal laws regarding the disposal of pharmaceuticals. Regulations often dictate that expired or unused medications cannot be thrown in the regular trash or flushed down the toilet, as these methods pose risks of environmental contamination and potential harm to wildlife or water sources.

Pharmacies usually have designated procedures for handling expired medications, which may include returning them to suppliers or using take-back programs, but the guiding principle remains that all disposal activities must align with local regulations. This approach helps to mitigate risks to public health and ensures that medications are removed from circulation in a manner that safeguards the community and the environment.