Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

What should a pharmacy technician do if they notice that medication has expired?

1. Continue to dispense it if the prescriber authorizes

2. Return it to the wholesaler for a refund

3. Dispose of it per facility protocol

4. Use it for personal use

The correct answer is: Dispose of it per facility protocol

When a pharmacy technician notices that medication has expired, the correct course of action is to dispose of it per facility protocol. Medication expiration dates are established to guarantee safety and potency; using or dispensing expired medications can pose significant risks to patients. Facility protocols are in place to ensure that expired medications are removed safely and according to regulations, which often involve specific disposal methods to prevent potential harm to people and the environment. Continuing to dispense expired medication, even with prescriber authorization, is risky and generally against standard practice, as the efficacy and safety of the drug cannot be guaranteed past its expiration date. Returning expired medication for a refund may not be feasible, as many wholesalers do not accept returns of expired products. Using expired medication for personal use is strongly discouraged due to health risks associated with taking medications that may have degraded in quality or safety. Thus, following established disposal protocols is the appropriate action for pharmacy technicians in this situation.