Question 48

Expired controlled substances must be destroyed or disposed of in a way that is approved by the DEA.

When it comes to expired controlled substances, the regulations dictate that they must be destroyed or disposed of in a manner that complies with DEA guidelines to ensure safety and prevent misuse.

A) must be returned to the manufacturer for credit

While returning expired medications to the manufacturer may be a practice for some products, it is not a requirement for controlled substances. The DEA regulations focus more on proper disposal to prevent diversion rather than facilitating returns for credit.

B) must be destroyed or disposed of in a way that is approved by the DEA

This option is correct as per the DEA regulations, which mandate that expired controlled substances must be disposed of securely to avoid any potential risks associated with their misuse. The DEA provides specific guidelines for the safe disposal of these substances.

C) must be documented and sent to the FDA for recycling

This option is incorrect because there is no requirement for expired controlled substances to be sent to the FDA for recycling. The FDA does not handle the recycling of such substances; instead, the focus is on safe disposal as per DEA guidelines.

D) may be dispensed for up to 30 days past the expiration date

This option is incorrect since dispensing controlled substances past their expiration date is not permitted. Doing so can pose safety risks and is against regulatory standards that ensure medication efficacy and safety.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, accurately reflects the legal requirements for handling expired controlled substances, emphasizing the importance of safe disposal as mandated by the DEA. Other options either misrepresent regulatory practices or are outright incorrect regarding the handling of expired controlled substances.