What should pharmacy technicians do with expired medications?

Pharmacy technicians should dispose of expired medications according to the pharmacy's established disposal procedures, which are designed to ensure both safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Proper disposal methods are essential to prevent potential harm to patients and the environment.

Pharmacies often have specific protocols in place, which may include returning expired medications to a licensed reverse distributor or otherwise disposing of them in compliance with state and federal regulations. This approach minimizes the risk of accidental ingestion or improper use of these medications and protects the community from potential contamination.

The other options, while addressing aspects related to expired medications, do not align with best practices for disposal. For instance, returning expired medications to the supplier is typically not allowed unless specifically agreed upon and does not reflect standard procedure. Flushing medications down the toilet can lead to environmental issues, as many drugs can contaminate water systems. Storing expired medications in a separate area is a good practice for organization and safety but does not address the ultimate need for proper disposal.