When must the Board of Pharmacy be notified about distressed drugs?

The requirement for notifying the Board of Pharmacy about distressed drugs hinges on the importance of safety and compliance in the handling of pharmaceuticals. When a distressed drug is identified—whether due to damage, degradation, or any issue that affects its quality or safety—timely communication with the regulatory body is essential to protect public health.

Immediate notification ensures that the Board can take any necessary actions to mitigate risks, which may include assessing the situation, issuing further guidelines, or preventing potentially harmful products from reaching patients. This proactive approach emphasizes the commitment to maintaining drug safety standards and ensuring that pharmacists are vigilant in their responsibilities.

Other timeframes, such as 24 hours or 7 days, do not align with the urgent nature of drug distress situations. Waiting for these durations could result in a delay that compromises patient safety and undermines regulatory oversight, which is why immediate reporting is the mandated practice in this context.