Process for Handling Recalled Drugs at Retail Outlets as Regulated

Based on Section 4.2.1, Subsection 4.2, Section 5.2.E, Chapter V of the Handbook for Practical Application at Retail Pharmacies (Promulgated by Decision No. 696/QD-QLD in 2021) governing the procedure for handling recalled drugs at retail pharmacies as follows:

Upon receiving the recall notification from the Ministry of Health, Department of Health, the drug manufacturing/business unit must immediately proceed with:

- Checking whether the pharmacy has received the batch to be recalled. If received, the following actions must be taken:

+ Post the recall notice on the drug information board, including the drug name, batch number, expiration date, and manufacturer.

+ Cease importation and sale of the recalled drug, check the quantity of the drug remaining in the pharmacy (including both in-store drugs and newly purchased drugs not yet recorded), and then move all of the drugs to the designated processing area.

+ Issue a recall notice to customers for prescription drugs listed in the recall category. Notify through bulletin boards, mail, phone, etc.

+ If customers return recalled drugs, verify that they were purchased from the pharmacy, accept the drugs, and refund the money or exchange them for quality-guaranteed drugs.

+ Record in the Logbook for Suspended Drugs.

+ Contact the company or supplier to return the goods.

Sincerely!