For what reason would possession of prescription drug samples by retail pharmacies be considered drug diversion?

Possession of prescription drug samples by retail pharmacies could be considered drug diversion primarily when they are not properly documented. Proper documentation is crucial in the management of drug samples, as it ensures accountability and traceability of these medications. The lack of appropriate documentation raises concerns about the integrity of the drug distribution process, including potential misuse or unauthorized access to these samples. Retail pharmacies are responsible for tracking how samples are received, stored, and dispensed to ensure they are used appropriately and in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

In the pharmacy setting, drug samples are typically intended for specific patients, often to initiate therapy or provide a temporary supply while awaiting a full prescription. If these samples are not documented, it creates a risk that they may be misused or distributed inappropriately, which constitutes a diversion from their intended purpose.