Can returned drugs be poured back into stock bottles according to best practices?

Returned drugs should not be poured back into stock bottles, as this practice poses significant safety and quality control risks. Once a drug has left the pharmacy, it has been exposed to various conditions that could compromise its integrity and safety. This includes potential contamination from external sources, temperature fluctuations, or even incorrect storage.

By prohibiting the practice of returning medications to stock bottles, pharmacies can ensure that all medications available for dispensing are in optimal condition and have not been compromised in any way. This also helps maintain accurate inventory control, reducing the chances of medication errors and ensuring patient safety. Regulations and best practices emphasize the importance of managing returned medications appropriately, often requiring them to be properly disposed of instead. This ensures that all medications in the pharmacy are safe for patient use.