Regulations on the Storage and Arrangement of Drugs at Retail Pharmacies

Based on Sub-Item 4.5.3.2, Item 4.5, Chapter IV, the Practical Handbook at Retail Pharmacies (issued together with Decision 696/QD-QLD in 2021) which stipulates the activities of drug storage and arrangement including specially controlled drugs as follows:

(1) Drug Storage

• Concept: This involves the safe keeping of drugs' safety and quality, including their utilization and the maintenance of comprehensive documentation systems for the storage, import, and export of drugs at the storage location. (Circular 36/2018/TT-BYT)

• Regulations related to drug storage at retail pharmacies:

- Do not sell expired drugs, or drugs stored not as specified on the drug label,

- Separate storage area (if necessary).

- Drugs must be stored as stated on the drug label;

- Prescription drugs, if displayed and stored, must be in a marked area “Prescription Drugs” or in the same area where prescription drugs are kept separately.

- Drugs requiring special control (narcotic, psychotropic substances, and precursors) and hazardous, sensitive, and/or dangerous drugs, as well as drugs with high abuse potential, flammable, and explosive (such as flammable liquids and solids and compressed gases) must be stored in designated areas with safety and security measures in accordance with the law.

- Toxic drugs, drugs in the list of drugs, and active substances banned from use in certain industries and fields must be stored separately and not with other drugs, and must be neatly arranged, easily distinguished, and observed.

• Have drug storage equipment as prescribed.

(2) Drug Arrangement

- Arrangement Principles:

+ Arrange chemical drugs according to their pharmacological effects.

+ Designate separate areas for prescription drugs.

+ Cosmetics, functional foods, health protection foods, and medical equipment should be in separate areas without affecting the drugs. An area sign stating “This product is not a drug” should be displayed.

+ The arrangement should ensure convenience and avoid confusion.

+ Arrange according to storage conditions indicated on the label.

- Sort drugs before arranging:

+ Sort drugs according to storage conditions.

+ Sort prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

+ Sort drugs requiring special control.

+ Sort drugs by pharmacological effects.

Best regards!