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Patient-returned controlled drugs — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePharmacy LawPatient-returned controlled drugsGPhC CRA

A patient asks whether she can return unused morphine oral solution after her father's death. The bottle was dispensed 2 months ago and is half full. What is the legal classification/requirement?

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Correct answer: A — Accept for safe destruction according to pharmacy SOP, but do not re-enter it into stock

Returned medicines from patients must not be reused or returned to saleable stock. Controlled drugs returned by patients should be handled and destroyed according to the pharmacy's SOP and legal good practice, with appropriate denaturing arrangements. Disposal down the sink is unsafe and environmentally inappropriate. The medicine cannot be supplied to another patient.

Reference: MEP; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001