What are distressed drugs?

Distressed drugs refer specifically to those that have experienced accidents or adverse conditions that may compromise their quality, safety, or efficacy. This can include scenarios like exposure to extreme temperatures, contamination, or any incident that could lead to degradation of the drug product. The definition underscores the potential for these drugs to be unsafe for use, which is vital information for pharmacy professionals tasked with ensuring medication safety.

In contrast, while drugs that were improperly stored for cost savings could potentially be included in a broader conversation about drug quality, this phrase does not capture the essence of distress as clearly as the focus on accidents or adverse conditions. Similarly, drugs nearing expiration dates are not inherently distressed; they may still be effective if used before expiration, even if they are not ideal for use long-term. Drugs in the process of being recalled are certainly concerning, but the term "distressed drugs" specifically points to those already affected by conditions impacting their quality rather than those simply flagged for recall before any issues are formally determined.