FDA Regulations You'll Need to Meet in Your Pharmacy

 

If you own a pharmacy, then you should be familiar with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations that apply to your business. The FDA is responsible for regulating the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices, food, and other products in the U.S. It’s important to understand how FDA regulations affect your pharmacy so you can ensure that you are compliant and avoid potential fines or penalties. Let’s take a look at some of the key regulations that you will need to meet.

By Meghan Belnap

Labeling Requirements

 

All medications must be properly labeled according to FDA standards before they can be sold in pharmacies. The label must declare the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, an indication of net quantity of contents, instructions for use; any special storage requirements, any warnings necessary for safe use, expiration date, and lot or control number. Labeling must also comply with state laws.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines

 

The GMP guidelines provide direction on how to manufacture pharmaceuticals that meet quality standards set by the FDA. They cover everything from personnel training and record keeping to premises maintenance and equipment sanitation. As a pharmacy owner, it’s important that you understand what is required under these guidelines so that you can ensure your manufacturing processes are up-to-date and comply with all regulations. If you need further help keeping your pharmacy up to regulations, hire a company like Compliance Insight.

Controlled Substances and DEA Registration Requirements

 

Pharmacies dealing with controlled substances must register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This includes both Schedule II and III drugs as outlined in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The registration process requires pharmacies to submit an application along with certain documents such as proof of ownership or lease agreement for the pharmacy premises where controlled substances will be stored, handled, administered, or dispensed. Pharmacies must also adhere to additional security requirements when handling controlled substances such as storing them in locked cabinets or safes with limited access given only to authorized personnel who have been approved by DEA investigators.

 

Adhering to FDA regulations is essential if you want your pharmacy business to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties or fines from regulators down the line. By understanding labeling requirements, good manufacturing practice guidelines, controlled substance act rules, and DEA registration requirements among others—you can make sure your business meets all necessary standards while continuing to provide high-quality service to customers in accordance with industry best practices. Pharmacy owners should review all applicable FDA regulations regularly in order ensure their businesses are always compliant.

 

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

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