Arizona MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

How should a pharmacist proceed if they receive a prescription for a medication just two days before its expiration?

1. Fill it with no more than the sufficient quantity of lenses needed through the expiration date

2. Refuse to fill the prescription due to proximity to expiration

3. Fill it for six months regardless of the expiration

4. Consult with the prescribing doctor for alternatives

The correct answer is: Fill it with no more than the sufficient quantity of lenses needed through the expiration date

Filling a prescription that is close to its expiration requires a careful balance of ensuring patient care while adhering to legal guidelines. The correct approach in this scenario is to fill it with no more than the sufficient quantity of lenses needed through the expiration date. This ensures that the patient has access to necessary medication while also recognizing that the prescription may not be valid beyond that expiration date. By filling it for only the quantity needed until the expiration, the pharmacist mitigates the risk associated with dispensing medication that will soon be invalid, offering sufficient medication for the patient while preventing waste or potential legal complications linked to dispensing unrenewed prescriptions. While refusing to fill the prescription due to its proximity to expiration may seem like a cautious approach, it can negatively impact patient care if alternatives are not available. Similarly, filling for six months disregards important safety protocols tied to expiration timelines. Consulting the prescribing doctor for alternatives is a prudent option, but this does not immediately address the need for fulfilling the current prescription. Therefore, ensuring the quantity meets the needs of the patient but remains compliant with expiration considerations strikes the right balance in this situation.