Guidelines on the Storage of Medicinal Products within a Retail Pharmacy Business

The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate compliance with the requirements of the Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 488 of 2008) (as amended) in relation to the storage of medicinal products, including veterinary medicinal products, in pharmacies. 

As pharmacies are the final link in the chain of supply of medicinal products, from manufacturers to patients, it is essential that all medicinal products held in pharmacies remain of the same quality, safety and efficacy as when they were released by their manufacturers. To achieve this, all medicinal products must be stored in accordance with the terms of their Marketing Authorisation. Compliance with the regulations and these guidelines is therefore essential if this objective is to be achieved and patient safety is to be maintained. 

Every pharmacy should operate a comprehensive, auditable system for the control and maintenance of an appropriate level of legitimate stock, held within appropriate storage conditions and facilities.