# Managing expiry and batches in pharmacies: cutting losses from expired stock

> To cut losses from expired drugs, record batch number and expiry at receipt, dispense the earliest expiry first automatically, set alerts early enough to return stock to the supplier or move it to another branch, and review the near-expiry report weekly.

Source: https://www.al-arjan.com/en/blog/pharmacy-expiry · العربية: https://www.al-arjan.com/ar/blog/pharmacy-expiry.md

Author: [AUTHOR_NAME] — 2026-09-26

## The right procedure

- Barcode receiving with batch and expiry entry
- Automatic first-expiry-first-out (FEFO)
- Alerts at a lead time set per item
- Weekly near-expiry report
- Agreements with suppliers on pre-expiry returns
- Move slow stock to a faster-selling branch

## Why shelf order alone isn’t enough

Shelf order matters, but with busy sales and multiple staff the newest sometimes goes first. When the system knows which batch to dispense and costs profit from its real price, silent losses stop.

## Frequently asked questions

### What alert lead time is right?

It depends on sales speed and supplier return terms; slow movers need earlier alerts.

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