What must be done with all legend drugs when closing a drug outlet?

When a drug outlet is closing, all legend drugs must be handled in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements to ensure public safety and compliance with pharmacy laws. The correct course of action is to return these drugs to the wholesalers or manufacturers. This process ensures that all prescription medications are accounted for and disposed of appropriately, preventing any potential misuse or unauthorized access to these medications, which are regulated due to their potential for harm if mismanaged.

Returning the drugs to wholesalers or manufacturers is also essential for maintaining accurate inventory records and preventing the accumulation of unused medications that could violate regulations. It allows the wholesaler or manufacturer to safely manage their products and keeps these medications out of unregulated situations where they could be improperly distributed or disposed of.

Other options, such as transferring to a friend, leaving drugs in storage, or donating to local clinics, do not adhere to standard protocols for closing a drug outlet and could result in legal consequences or public health risks. Thus, the requirement to return legend drugs to the original source reflects the importance of regulatory compliance and safety in pharmaceutical practice.