Millions of Americans regularly visit Walgreens to fill their prescriptions. However, sometimes you may need to return the prescription because you’re having adverse reactions to it or you simply don’t need it anymore.
So what is Walgreens’ prescription return policy? Here is everything I’ve found out!
Walgreens Prescription Return Policy
Walgreens does not return prescriptions bought in-store or online because of legal constraints, except if you were sold the incorrect prescription. However, you can return over-the-counter (OTC) medicine within 30 days if unopened. OTC medications that require authorization before a purchase cannot be returned.
If you want to learn more about returning prescriptions bought from a store versus ordered online, the reason Walgreens does not return these, and much more, keep on reading!
Can You Return Prescriptions Picked Up In A Walgreens Store?
No, Walgreens does not accept returns of prescriptions picked up from a Walgreens store.
Walgreens has an official policy under which it allows products to be returned within 30 days of purchase, but this policy does not apply to prescriptions.
The only exception is if Walgreens made an error in filling your prescription. In this case, you should contact the store (find the contact number using the Walgreens store locator) and describe the issue in detail for Walgreens to take action and resolve the error.
Can You Return Shipped Prescriptions?
No, Walgreens does not accept returns of shipped prescriptions since these cannot be resold or reused.
However, if you feel that Walgreens has made an error while filling your prescription or that you have received the incorrect order, you can call Walgreens Customer Service at 1-877-250-5823 (toll-free).
On the call, you should describe the issue in detail and request a return. In situations like these, Walgreens will request special authorization in order to initiate a return for the prescription.
Why Can’t You Return A Prescription To Walgreens?
The official Walgreens return policy for pharmacy products and prescriptions states that the drugstore chain is restricted by law from returning any prescriptions.
There are several reasons why the law would prohibit returns of prescriptions, counterfeiting is one of these. For example, some people have been caught replacing real medicine with fake copies and returning them to get refunds.
Therefore, complications can arise if returned medicine is redistributed since it is difficult to ascertain the integrity of a drug once it has left the pharmacist’s hands.
Can You Return Over The Counter Medicine To Walgreens?
Yes, Walgreens accepts returns of Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications, as long as these are returned within 30 days. Since these are not sold as part of prescriptions, Walgreens is not bound by law regarding their reuse or resale.
The only exception to this is OTC medications (like pseudoephedrine) that require authorization upon purchase, i.e. you have to present a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) to be able to buy them.
Can You Return Sexual Wellness Items To Walgreens?
No, you cannot return sexual wellness items to Walgreens. These are considered final sales.
Can You Return Opened Over The Counter Medicine To Walgreens?
No, you cannot return OTC medication once it has been opened. Walgreens does not accept these at any of its stores.
What Can You Do About Unwanted Medicine That Cannot Be Returned?
Since you cannot return the medicine to a pharmacy like Walgreens, you should consider disposing of it safely and properly. This is because unused and undisposed medications can lead to cases of misuse and abuse and cause drastic health issues for people who end up using them.
Walgreens has a safe medication disposal program under which it regularly collects unwanted, unused, or expired medication at “safe medication disposal kiosks” available at most of its stores nationwide.
These kiosks accept prescriptions (including controlled substances) and OTC medications without any fee and dispose of them safely. You can contact your nearby Walgreens store to ask if they have a safe medication disposal kiosk or not.
To learn more, you can also see my guides on how early Walgreens will fill a prescription, how long will Walgreens keep prescriptions, and whether or not Walgreens delivers prescriptions.
Conclusion
Walgreens officially does not accept returns of prescription medications at any of its stores or online, except in rare situations when it has made an error in filling your prescription. For Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications, returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase if the medications are unopened. OTCs that require authorization for purchase cannot be returned.
