A 72-year-old woman brings a bag of unused medication to the pharmacy and mentions fentanyl 25 microgram patches. Which is the most appropriate action regarding destruction of the controlled drug?

• A. The pharmacist should destroy the patch alone
• B. The pharmacist can destroy with a pharmacy technician present
• C. Return to supplier for destruction
• D. Dispose in regular waste without documentation

Answer: (B)

Handling and disposing of controlled drugs requires an auditable, witnessed process. Fentanyl patches are potent Schedule 2 medicines, so disposal cannot be done by one person alone; it must be witnessed and properly documented to maintain accountability and prevent misuse.

The best approach is for the pharmacist to supervise the destruction with a trained pharmacy technician present to witness. Together they perform the disposal and record it in the controlled drug register, including details such as the drug, strength, quantity, date and time, patient, and the witnesses. Following this two-person, documented process upholds safety and regulatory requirements.

Destructing the patch without a witness, disposing of it in regular waste, or returning it to a supplier without an approved take-back arrangement would not meet the regulatory standards or safety practices.