Guide · PDF
Maximizing Pharmaceutical Returns: A Practical Guide
The same guidance as a PDF to print and keep at the counter.
Guide
How do you maximize pharmaceutical returns?
Return product while it's inside its manufacturer's returnable window, and build a few habits around it: review inventory every quarter, check the fridge, keep packaging intact and leave patient labels on.
01
Evaluate inventory quarterly
Returnable windows are the periods before and after which manufacturers allow a product to be returned. Pharmacies often overlook expired products, causing them to fall outside these returnable windows.
The schedule shown is for illustrative purposes only. There are no required months for this evaluation. The key is to maintain a consistent, quarterly routine.
02
The 6 & 12 rule of thumb
To ensure a product is not excluded due to timing, follow this rule: any product within 6 months prior to expiration and within 12 months after the expiration date is generally eligible for return. This helps navigate the various manufacturers' policy constraints.
03
Don't forget the fridge
When checking inventory, remember to pull close‑to‑expiry or expired meds from the fridge. These items do not need to be temperature‑controlled when sending to a reverse distributor, and this will not affect their returnability.
04
Keep packaging intact
Manufacturers require returned products to be in their original, intact and unadulterated containers. This includes avoiding the use of permanent markers. Use a wax pencil or write away from the lot and expiration date on the package.
05
Leave patient labels on
Do not attempt to remove patient labels. Let our team handle these conditions to ensure proper processing.
06
Mind the shipping requirements
When shipping your products, help us mitigate the risk of liquids and glass breaking and ruining other products. Avoid overpacking the box to prevent damage during transit.
Following these guidelines ensures safe and compliant shipments. If you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of the packaging guidelines, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Our commitment
We are your strongest advocate. Your success is our success. Let's work together to maximize your return values.
More guides
Keep reading from the returns desk
Guide · Reverse distributors
What is a pharmaceutical reverse distributor?
A company licensed by the state and registered with the DEA to take back saleable and non‑saleable medication from pharmacies and other dispensers, for credit or compliant destruction.
Guide · Packaging guidelines
How do you pack a pharmaceutical return?
Keep product in its original packaging, use a sturdy box under 20 lbs, bag liquids, pad glass and ship Schedule II items separately with their DEA Form 222.
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Let the returns begin
Send us your facility info, State License and DEA certification. Our customer service team will quickly verify your credentials and set up a demo of the software for your staff.
