What should a pharmacist do if a Class I drug recall occurs?

In the case of a Class I drug recall, the correct action for a pharmacist is to remove the affected product from stock and inform patients. A Class I recall indicates that there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or even death. Therefore, immediate action is essential to ensure patient safety.

Removing the product from inventory is crucial because it prevents any further dispensing of a potentially harmful drug. In addition, informing patients about the recall is vital to ensure they are aware of the risks and can take appropriate actions, such as discontinuing use and consulting with their healthcare providers for alternatives or advice.

The actions of notifying the manufacturer, waiting for further instructions, or returning the product to the supplier may not address the immediate risk to patients. While notifying the manufacturer and collaborating with them can be necessary steps in managing a recall for inventory control and process compliance, they are secondary to the immediate need to protect patients. Therefore, the pharmacist's priority in a Class I recall situation lies in safeguarding patient health through prompt communication and product removal.