Definition of “patient returned medication”
Returned medications by patient are those medications issued by hospital pharmacies to patients which are then returned back to a particular pharmacy by the patient or one of his/her relatives for any reason as death, cancellation, excess, side effect, etc.
Purpose of “patient returned medication” policy
To set up standards and procedure whereby repackaged drugs are dispensed in a safe and acceptable manner with the greatest consideration towards patient care and safety.
Basic points to consider when writing “patient returned medication” hospital policy
- To ensure that any returned medications by patients will not be re dispensed to any other patients.
- To send the returned medications by patients to pharmacy store supervisor who will return the medications to vendors.
- To destroy any medications with difficulty to return it to vendor.
- All returned medications should be documented in the “Patient Returned Medication Form” which includes the patient’s name, MR number, and physician id #, reason of return, medication name and quantity.
“Patient returned medication” policy and procedures
- Pharmacist will receive any medications returned by the patient.
- Pharmacist will fill the patient medication form, which will be approved by pharmacy supervisor.
- Pharmacy supervisor will send all returned medication by patients to pharmacy store supervisor who will return these medications to the supplier.
- Pharmacist or pharmacy supervisor will destruct the non-returnable medication to vendor under the supervision of pharmacy store supervisor.
