When returned from a qualifying institution, how much does the expiration date of a medication decrease?

When a medication is returned from a qualifying institution, the guidelines established for managing its expiration date state that the remaining shelf life should be reduced by 50%. This practice is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of medication use.

The rationale behind halving the expiration date upon return is based on the principle that once medications have been dispensed, their conditions may be compromised due to factors like storage conditions or handling practices in settings outside the pharmacy. This precaution reduces the risk of dispensing medications that may not be safe or effective if used later.

Thus, recognizing a 50% decrease in the remaining expiration period serves as a safeguard while ensuring that medications still remain usable within a reasonable timeframe.