What should be done if a medication is found to be expired?

When a medication is found to be expired, the appropriate action is to dispose of it according to facility protocols. This is important for several reasons. Expired medications may not only lose their effectiveness but can also potentially be harmful to patients. Safety protocols are in place to mitigate risks associated with medication administration, and following these protocols ensures that patients receive only the safest and most effective treatments.

Disposing of expired medications properly helps prevent future use, maintains the integrity of the medication inventory, and reduces the risk of accidental administration. It also aligns with regulatory and legal requirements governing medication management in healthcare settings, ensuring compliance and accountability.

Furthermore, using an expired medication, storing it for future use, or only informing the next shift does not prioritize patient safety and can lead to serious ethical and medical concerns.