To keep prescription drug costs down, which approach is safest?

• A. Negotiating volume discount from your primary accredited supplier
• B. Purchasing from multiple suppliers regardless of accreditation
• C. Importing drugs from unverified sources
• D. Buying expired stock to save money

Answer: (A)

Safest approach is to negotiate volume discounts with a primary accredited supplier because it lets you lower costs while preserving a controlled, compliant supply chain. An accredited supplier has the proper licenses and follows good distribution practices, ensuring proper storage, temperature control, and traceability of each lot with valid expiration dates. This means you can count on product integrity, accurate labeling, and effective recall processes if needed, all of which protect patient safety and meet regulatory requirements. By concentrating purchases with a reputable partner, you also reduce the risk of counterfeit or substandard meds that can arise from unverified sources or fragmented sourcing. Purchasing from multiple suppliers without ensuring accreditation can lead to variable quality and accountability gaps; importing from unverified sources bypasses regulatory oversight and raises safety and legal concerns; buying expired stock poses clear safety risks and is generally not permissible.