Final answer:
If a patient has not picked up medication within the allowed time after filling, the medication should be disposed of as per regulations to avoid using expired or ineffective medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient has not picked up medication within the allowed time after filling, the medication should be disposed of as per regulations. This is because medications have expiration dates and they may become ineffective or even harmful if used after the specified time frame. It is important to follow proper disposal methods to ensure the medication does not end up in the wrong hands or harm the environment.