Patient returned opioids
Health Canada no longer requires that pharmacists record the name of the drug product, strength and quantity for post-consumer returns. Consequently, there is no requirement to separate post-consumer returned controlled drugs and substances from other post-consumer returned prescription or non-prescription medications.
Opioids returned to the pharmacy by patients for destruction should be discarded in the plastic bin provided by Stericycle for medication collection. Remove the medication from vials prior to discarding and ensure to mix the narcotic with the existing pills to render them unretrievable. Ensure any patient information on the vial is destroyed
Stericycle receipt must be retain for 2 years.
Unserviceable stock (expired and not-returnable)
Controlled drugs, narcotics and targeted substances must be altered or denatured prior to disposal. This destruction must be performed by a pharmacist and a witness. Prior to destruction, expired narcotics may be stored in the designated zip lock bag located inside the narcotic safe.
For solid dosage forms, dissolve the medication in water completely prior to disposal. Liquid drugs can be disposed as is.
Please complete the Unserviceable Stock Destruction Form. The form can be found in a folder located in the compounding area. Both pharmacist and witness must print and sign the form after. Ensure the stock is removed from inventory by processing under Patient Name: Expired Narc.
To print new form, download the form below