What should be done with a drug that has been recalled and is currently being processed?

When a drug has been recalled, it is essential to prioritize patient safety and public health. The appropriate action is to locate the recalled drug and stop all deliveries associated with it. This ensures that no further distribution occurs, preventing the potential risk of harm to patients who may be unknowingly using a medication that has been identified as unsafe or ineffective.

Stopping all deliveries means that any processing of the drug—whether in a pharmacy, hospital, or another setting—is halted immediately. This action also allows for an assessment of the situation, typically leading to the return of the drug to the manufacturer or other recommended next steps dictated by regulatory authorities.

In contrast, dispensing the drug immediately, informing a patient to pick it up, or placing it on hold for future use would not adequately address the risks associated with a recall. These options fail to ensure the safe management of the recalled product and could jeopardize patient safety.