As an expiration date approaches, what should the pharmacy technician ensure regarding the medication?

As the expiration date of a medication approaches, it is essential for a pharmacy technician to ensure that the medication is used appropriately before it becomes ineffective or unsafe. Medications can lose potency over time, and using them past their expiration date can pose risks to patient health. Therefore, utilizing medications before they expire allows for the best therapeutic effect and safety for the patients receiving those medications.

While it may be necessary to discard medications that are expired or nearing expiration after assessing stock levels and patient needs, the goal is to ensure that the medications are used effectively while they are still viable. This is part of the responsibility of the pharmacy technician to manage inventory diligently and make decisions that prioritize patient safety and care.