Awareness on expiration date of repackaged prescription medications and pulverization of solid pills: A questionnaire study
10.24304/kjcp.2021.31.2.96
- Author:
So Yeon KIM
1
;
Yeo Jin CHOI
;
Hyun Soon SOHN
Author Information
1. College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2021;31(2):96-103
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:The number of elderly people with comorbidities who experience dysphagia associated with geriatric disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s dementia, is increasing. Consequently, the demand for long-term prescriptions of powdered medications is expected to rise. Most patients procure repackaged prescription medications from pharmacies; however, the guidelines regarding their expiration dates are unclear.
Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess awareness among adults regarding the expiration dates and drug stability issues associated with repackaged prescription medications, including powdered medications.
Methods:A questionnaire with 16 components was designed and distributed online (August 1-September 1, 2019) to adults aged 19 years or older. Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis and chi-square test, were conducted on the obtained data. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results:Data from 254 respondents were analyzed; 191 (75.20%) respondents worked in non-healthcare-related fields. A significant number of healthcare workers recognized the stability issues associated with powdered medications (p<0.001). However, a large proportion of healthcare workers were not aware of the expiration dates (p>0.05).
Conclusions:More than half of the total respondents, including healthcare workers, were not familiar with the appropriate expiration dates of repackaged prescription medications. The establishment of evidence-based guidelines regarding drug expiration dates and the dissemination of awareness among patients are required. Furthermore, clinical practices including repackaging or pulverizing medications for long-term prescriptions should be avoided owing to the associated drug stability issues.
