Pharmacy reverse distribution is a process in the pharmaceutical supply chain where unsold, expired, damaged, or recalled medications are returned by pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare providers to specialized third-party companies for proper handling. Reverse distribution plays a crucial role in minimizing waste, maintaining compliance, and ensuring the safe handling of pharmaceutical products.
Off-Site Pharmaceutical Returns Processing Services • Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Services
NPR Facts:
*With qualifying orders.
We accept products for return or disposal from all medical facilities including:
Retail Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies
Wholesaler Morgues
Ambulatory Services
Veterinary Facilities
Doctor’s Offices
Dentist’s Offices
Long Term Facilities
Infusion Services
Surgical Centers
Mail/Closed Door Pharmacies
Compliance:
NPR realizes the importance of staying in full regulatory compliance. This not only protects NPR, but our customers as well. All products marked for destruction are destroyed by means of incineration and within all regulatory guidelines.
Please call one of our Customer Care Representatives to see how we can help you today and in the future.
The Proven Industry Leader in Returns
Founded in 2000, PharmaLink is the nation’s premier Pharmaceutical Returns and Disposal provider. Our services include safely removing expired, damaged and unwanted pharmaceuticals from pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Our holistic approach results in tailored custom solutions to ensure maximum return credits and regulatory compliance. With our unique advanced web-based reporting platform, we provide you an analysis of your returned pharmaceuticals to help you make better financial business decisions for your company. With both mail-in and on-site return services, we offer maximum credit with every return, personalized customer service, guaranteed compliance and advanced reporting tools to provide you with the best returns and disposal services.
Returns
We offer both on-site and mail-in service nationwide with a focus on personalization and an SOP driven process that ensures compliance and maximum credit recovery. All services are conducted by our specially trained employees who have expert knowledge on our return process and access to advanced web-based computer reporting systems that bring a new level of transparency to our customers at any time. Whether you choose to have us service your facility on-site, or mail-in your returns for processing, you will receive the same level of quality service, expertise and commitment to excellence.
On-Site Return Services Include:
Mail-in Return Services Include:
PharmaLink Reporting Services
The management and reporting of the returns process reaches a new level of simplicity and visibility with Encore®, by PharmaLink. Encore® provides users with a complete pharmaceutical returns management suite to enhance the reverse logistics process across healthcare operations. With its easy-to-use, interface, step-by-step inventory tools, and reporting, Encore® paints a complete picture of your return inventory in real-time. Additionally, corporate and store-level credit data is easily reconciled to maximize the financial impact of returns in inventory. Dashboard reporting provides management users with key performance indicators to make a better impact on business decisions and quickly identify issues relating to operations and waste in inventory.
RxTakeBack® – Consumer Disposal Solution
Just like pharmacists, patients have old or unused prescriptions that need to be destroyed. Bring your customers back to your pharmacy with a compliant and environmentally responsible drug disposal solution. RxTakeBack® makes it easy to run your own drug take-back program and to stand out in your community as a leader in responsible drug disposal. The RxTakeBack® kiosk provides your store with a consumer disposal outlet that keeps customers returning to your pharmacy in addition to driving new business. This simple solution to prescription drug disposal is cost-effective and differentiates your pharmacy from others by providing a community service as well as a solution desired by the public.
The Pharmacy500 is awarded to 500 pharmacy supply chain businesses and associations that significantly impacted dispensing pharmacies in the U.S. over the past year.
The following are complimentary benefits extended to Pharmacy500 companies and associations (coming this spring!)
ARK Rx Return Solutions is a premier provider of pharmaceutical reverse distribution services, dedicated to streamlining the return and disposal process for healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and other pharmaceutical entities. With a commitment to compliance, efficiency, and cost recovery, we specialize in managing expired, damaged, or unsellable pharmaceuticals through a secure and environmentally responsible approach.
Our solutions are designed to optimize credit recovery while ensuring compliance with all DEA, EPA, DOT, and state regulations governing pharmaceutical returns and waste management. Through our industry expertise, we help clients mitigate risk, improve operational efficiency, and maximize financial returns on unsellable inventory
Founded in 2009 by Nikeisha Powell, ARK RX Returns Solutions has become a trusted leader in pharmaceutical returns, renowned for its unwavering integrity, innovative solutions, and consistent growth. The company’s journey is marked by key milestones, including the launch of its Pharmaceutical Reverse Logistics Division in 2011, earning its DEA License in 2012, and surpassing $1 million in revenue by 2015. By 2016, ARK had expanded its client base to over 250 partners, laying the foundation for further growth through the strategic acquisition of multiple warehouse spaces between 2017 and 2021.
Securing landmark contracts with industry leaders such as Cardinal, SUNY, AJANTA, and Cipla further solidified ARK’s market position. In 2022, CEO Nikeisha Powell’s visionary leadership was recognized with the prestigious GEMSTARR Award, a testament to her dedication and impact in the industry.
Looking ahead, ARK remains committed to advancing its mission of “Elevating Returns” by pursuing strategic mergers, continued expansion, and the development of a state-of-the-art headquarters — all while delivering unparalleled service and ensuring every client “Experience the ARK Difference.”
At ARK Rx Return Solutions, we provide two primary return services to
accommodate the unique needs of our clients:
1.On-Site Reverse Distribution Services
2.Mail-In Return Program
Partner with the most trusted returns company in the industry to increase your inventory profitability and reduce time spent on returns. Return Solutions is a preferred vendor of over 25 independent pharmacy buying groups across the country, with a reputation for honesty, accuracy, and quick reimbursement. If you are tired of confusing fee structures, additional charges, and elaborate credit tracking processes, consider giving Return Solutions a risk-free trial.
The OneCheck Select program offers the fastest and simplest reimbursement program available. Receive a single check, for all credit due through OneCheck Select, within as few as 10 days after your return, or choose from the 30, 60, or 90-day payment options. The fee is an all-inclusive percentage of returnable credit value. Manufacturer credit values are listed on the check stub, vastly reducing the complexity of credit tracking, and saving you time.
Sign up with Return Solutions today to receive the 30-for-90 promotion on your first return – the check for your credit will be issued in just 30 days at the lower 90-day reimbursement rate.
On-Site Service
Mail-In Service
Destruction Service
Consumer Medication Collection
We are excited to offer a system that will allow you to provide a solution to your community for unused and expired prescription medications. MedCollect by Return Solutions provides simple, cost-effective, and compliant collection and disposal of consumer prescription medications for as little as $89 per month. Select your cabinet size, number of collection kits, and length of your agreement, and your cabinet and first two collection kits will be shipped out immediately. Everything you need for compliant collection and destruction is included in the price. Help keep your community safe and protect our environment with a MedCollect kiosk in your pharmacy.
Founded by Daniel Vizel, PharmD, a pharmacist who experienced first hand the frustrations and inefficiencies of traditional reverse distribution, Ecopharm was built to bring clarity, accountability, and true customer support to the industry. Powered by a purpose-built technology platform, Ecopharm delivers a simple, transparent, and data-driven returns experience, trusted by independent pharmacies, health systems, and national wholesalers. Ecopharm is recognized as one of the fastest-growing licensed reverse distributors in the country.
Ecopharm’s returns program is designed for independent pharmacies, regional chains, specialty pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy, health systems, and veterinary networks seeking a simple, transparent, and technology-driven solution for expired medication returns. Built around our streamlined single-check, 90-day model, we eliminate the confusion of mixed credits, multiple checks, or complex payment structures. Every credit value is clearly itemized in your real-time reporting, so you always know exactly what you’ll receive in 90 days! Our platform integrates inventory 2D scanning, controlled substance processing, pre-paid shipping labels, destruction of non-returnables, and complete audit-ready reporting, all covered by a concise pricing model. Customers can choose from two flexible service options:
Payments
• Unified Payments: One consolidated payment issued within 90 days.
• ACH Transfer Available: Streamlined, secure payment delivery.
• Simple Reconciliation: Clear, transparent credit values for fast A/R matching.
Technology
• Self-Service Customer Portal: Start returns, build inventories, and schedule pickups on demand.
• Full Visibility: Access payment dates, amounts, and detailed reporting for all current and historical returns.
• Multi-Location Management: Robust tools for tracking individual sites
within large health systems.
• Smart Inventory Tools: Designed to simplify and streamline your
return workflow.
On-Site Representative Service
• Expert Support: A trained reverse-distribution specialist walks your shelves, builds inventory, packages, and ships expired medications.
• Value Optimization: In-person guidance to maximize return value and improve purchasing habits.
Rx & Controlled Substance Destruction
• Fully Compliant Destruction: Coverage for all prescription, controlled, and hazardous pharmaceuticals.
• Witnessed Incineration: Available for Schedule II–V products.
• Regulatory Assurance: DEA- and EPA-approved destruction methods for complete peace of mind.
Discover how Ecopharm can simplify your returns process and increase the value of your expired product credit.
Founded in 1992, Return Solutions is one of the most experienced and trusted reverse distributors in the industry. With the OneCheck Select program, you can reduce the time spent tracking credits and receive credit quickly. Learn more in this issue of 20Ways!
This report explores key trends and leading Pharmacy500 companies involved in pharmaceutical reverse distribution—a vital component of the pharmacy supply chain. It examines how specialized third-party providers manage the return, disposal, and processing of unsold, expired, or recalled medications to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility.
RXinsider’s Pharmacy500 Academy now offers training that covers pharmacy waste management. Compliant medication disposal is essential for ensuring the safe disposal of medications, protecting public health, and protecting the environment. To learn more about drug disposal, check out the Pharmacy500 Academy.
RXinsider’s Pharmacy500 Academy now offers training on pharmacy returns, drug takeback, and medication collection programs. These programs play crucial roles in minimizing waste, maintaining compliance, and ensuring the safe handling of pharmaceutical products. Visit the Pharmacy500 Academy to learn more about reverse distribution.
This visual represents the comprehensive structure of the modern pharmacy landscape, capturing the interconnected roles, settings, specializations, and operational elements that support patient care and drug distribution. Developed by RXinsider, the ecosystem map is designed to serve as a foundational reference for education, training, communication, and strategic planning across the pharmacy industry.
Discover the stories, research, and reports from real pharmacies, health systems, hospitals, and infusion centers.
Discover the stories, research, and reports from real retail, independent, LTC, and specialty pharmacies.
RXinsider’s Pharmacy500 Stock ETF is a stock portfolio comprised of the largest publicly traded companies in the Pharmacy500.
This report offers a concise snapshot of the Pharmacy500 companies by highlighting new company additions, and examining regional distributions, practice settings, supply chain categories, and the key conferences attended.
340B Health
340BDirect | Procuity
AAPA
Advasur
Altium Packaging
American Associated Pharmacies (AAP)
American Pharmacies, Inc.
American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI)
American Rx Group
Anda Inc.
Animal Med Express
Apexus LLC
Apothecary Products, LLC
Asembia
Aventi Health
AvKARE, LLC
Berry Global, Inc.
BioCareSD
BluPax Pharma
Bonita Pharmaceuticals
Capital Wholesale Drug Company
CaptureRx
Cardinal Health
CarepathRx
Cencora/AmerisourceBergen
Centor
Cervey
Clearway Health
Codonics
CompleteRx
ConsortiEX Inc.
CPS Solutions, LLC
CuraScriptSD
EPIC Rx
EzriRx
FFF Enterprises, Inc.
Flash Returns, LLC
Genetco Inc.
GeriMed, Inc.
Health Care Logistics, Inc.
HealthTrust
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
InfiniTrak, LLC
Inmar Inc.
Innovatix, LLC
Intelliguard/MEPS
Real-Time, Inc.
ISO-MED, Inc.
Jays Company
Jones Healthcare Group
KeySource
Legacy Pharmacy Group
LSPedia, Inc.
Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA)
Masters Pharmaceutical (McKesson Corporation)
MAXIMUM Rx Credit, Inc.
Maxor National Pharmacy Services, LLC
Maxpert Medical
McKesson Corporation
Medi-Dose, Inc./EPS, Inc.
Medisca Inc.
MediZap
MedSafety Solutions
Micro Merchant Systems, Inc.
MIDAS Healthcare Solutions
Morris & Dickson
N3PR
National Pharmaceutical Returns, Inc.
Nuvem
Omega Pharmacy Group
Omnicell
PCCA
PDM Healthcare
Pharma Logistics, LLC
Pharma Source Direct
Pharmacy Automation Supplies
Pharmacy-Lite Packaging
PharmaForce
PharmaLink Inc.
Pharmsource, LLC
PharmWaste Technologies, Inc.
Plenful
Precision Dose, Inc.
Premier
ProxsysRx
PRS Pharmacy Services
R&S Northeast LLC
RD Plastics Company, Inc.
Real Value Rx
Return Solutions, Inc.
Rx Return Services, LLC.
Rx Reverse Distributors, Inc.
Rx Systems, Inc.
RxPreferred
RxRise
RxScan
RxStrategies Inc.
SafeChain Solutions, LLC
ScriptPro LLC
Shamrock Labels
Sharps Medical Waste Services
Shepard Medical Products
Skyline Pharmaceuticals
Smith Drug Company
South Pointe Wholesale, Inc.
SpecializedRx Products, LLC
SpendMend
SUNRx
SureCost, LLC
TailorMed
The Craneware Group
TopRx, LLC
Total Pharmacy Supply, Inc.
TraceLink, Inc.
TrackTraceRx, Inc.
Trilogy MedWaste, Inc.
Unidoses
United Pharmacy Network (UPN)
Value Drug Company
Verity Solutions
Visante
Vizient, Inc.
Well-Served Pharmacy Community (WSPC)
Wellgistics
Wellpartner, Inc.
