Certified Pharmaceutical GMP Professional Practice

What is essential during the product discontinuation phase?

1. A continued market promotion of the product

2. A systematic evaluation of its effects

3. Following procedures to ensure safety and compliance

4. Employing new marketing strategies

The correct answer is: Following procedures to ensure safety and compliance

During the product discontinuation phase, following procedures to ensure safety and compliance is essential because it helps maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and protects public health. Even after a product is no longer being sold or distributed, there can be residual products or leftover materials that must be handled responsibly to prevent any potential harm to consumers or the environment. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements is critical during this phase as it involves reporting to regulatory authorities, managing inventory, and proper disposal of any remaining stock while adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This compliance not only mitigates risks associated with the discontinued product but also helps maintain the credibility and reputation of the organization in the pharmaceutical industry. In contrast, continued market promotion or employing new marketing strategies would not be appropriate as the product is being phased out. While systematic evaluation of effects might be relevant, the priority must be on safety and compliance as those directly influence risk management and regulatory adherence during the discontinuation process.