What is required when handling a returned medication that contains multiple lots?

When handling a returned medication that contains multiple lots, it is essential that all lots remain separate to avoid misbranding. This requirement is crucial because different lots may have variations in potency, formulation, or expiration dates. Mixing medications from different lots can lead to confusion and potentially compromise patient safety, as it could result in administering a product that may be misrepresented or misbranded due to combining different lot numbers.

Maintaining separation ensures that each lot can be tracked and monitored for quality control, and that any potential issues can be addressed accurately. This also aligns with regulatory guidelines meant to protect consumers from risks associated with mislabeled or improperly managed pharmaceuticals.

The other approaches, such as mixing lots or automatically discarding all returned medications, do not adhere to the careful handling and safety standards necessary in pharmacy practice. Additionally, only allowing unopened returns does not address situations involving sealed medications that may still need to be managed according to lot separation protocols.