If a patient does not pick up their medication within 14 days, what is the correct action?

Returning the medication to stock is the appropriate action when a patient does not pick up their prescription within 14 days. This time frame is commonly established to ensure that prescriptions remain valid and that medications do not exceed their shelf life, which is critical for patient safety. By returning the medication to stock, the pharmacy can make it available for other patients who may need it, while also adhering to regulations regarding the management of prescriptions.

In addition, this practice helps to prevent the wastage of medication and ensures that inventory is managed effectively. It's also important to note that refilling the prescription or contacting the physician may not be necessary since the patient has chosen not to collect their medication, and immediate disposal could pose environmental concerns and violate pharmacy regulations regarding medication disposal. Thus, returning the medication to stock is the most sensible and compliant action within standard pharmacy practice.