What should a pharmacist do if they encounter a suspected counterfeit medication?

When a pharmacist encounters a suspected counterfeit medication, the appropriate action is to report it to the FDA. This is crucial because the FDA has established protocols for handling counterfeit drugs and takes the necessary steps to investigate and mitigate the risks associated with such products. Reporting the incident allows the FDA to gather information on the counterfeit drug's distribution, potential health impacts, and helps protect public safety.

Additionally, while other actions may seem relevant, they are not the foremost responsibilities of the pharmacist in this scenario. Disposing of the medication without proper reporting does not provide valuable information to regulatory authorities who can take broader action. Notifying local law enforcement may be necessary in some contexts but is not the primary responsibility of the pharmacist regarding counterfeit medications. Discussing the situation only with the prescriber does not initiate the appropriate regulatory response and fails to address the larger public health implications. Thus, reporting to the FDA is a critical step in ensuring that the issue is escalated to the right authorities equipped to handle such situations effectively.