Sheldon S. Sones, RPh, FASCP, is president of Sheldon S. Sones and Associates, a pharmacy and accreditation consulting firm based in Newington, Conn.
Q: What is the accepted and recommended process for disposing expired medications?
Sheldon S. Sones: The proper disposal of medications is a key element of performance that must be handled properly. For controlled drugs, you can review the most recent listing I have for approved DEA "reverse distributors" by clicking here (pdf). These are companies that have satisfactorily met the DEA's requirements and have gained licensure/approval to take back expired or formulary-deleted controlled substances. They also provide service for the routine "reversal" of outdated drugs.
There is a caveat, however. "RCRA" drugs — those which are deemed "hazardous pharmaceuticals" — must be managed by an EPA-approved company, with permit evidence, to transport and manage this select list of discards.
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Learn more about Sheldon S. Sones and Associates at www.sheldonsones.com.
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