Which of the following is critical when labeling a prescription medication?

When labeling a prescription medication, including the expiration date and storage instructions is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the medication. The expiration date informs the patient of the timeframe during which the medication is guaranteed to maintain its potency and safety for use. Using medication past its expiration date may increase the risk of diminished effectiveness or potential harm.

Storage instructions are equally important as they provide essential information on how to store the medication properly, whether it needs to be kept at room temperature, refrigerated, or protected from light. Proper storage conditions help to preserve the integrity of the medication and prevent degradation.

The other choices do not represent critical labeling requirements; for instance, the cost of the medication may not be necessary on the label, and while the pharmacist's name can be helpful, it is not as essential as the information about expiration dates and storage for patient safety.