What is the appropriate action when a pharmacist repackages a medication?

When a pharmacist repackages a medication, determining a beyond-use date according to USP guidelines is essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the repackaged product. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) provides specific standards for establishing beyond-use dates based on the type of medication, storage conditions, and the method of repackaging. This guidance is critical to ensure that the medication maintains its quality and therapeutic effectiveness over time.

Setting a beyond-use date helps pharmacy personnel to manage inventory and ensures that patients do not receive medications that may degrade or become unsafe due to extended storage. This practice reflects the pharmacist's responsibility to protect patient safety and conform to professional standards in pharmaceutical care.

Other options might not align with best practices in pharmacy operations. For example, assigning a control number without verification does not ensure that the repackaged medication is correctly identified or traceable. Recording the release date to the patient may not be necessary or standardized practice for repackaged medications. Notifying the drug manufacturer typically isn't required when repackaging medications unless there is a specific concern or incident related to the product.