Why is it necessary to label and date compounded preparations?

Labeling and dating compounded preparations is essential primarily to ensure that they are used within safe timeframes. Compounded medications are made from raw ingredients and may not contain preservatives, thus having a defined shelf life. Ensuring that these preparations are used before they expire is crucial for patient safety since expired medications can be ineffective or potentially harmful.

Proper labeling and dating help pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to monitor the preparation’s freshness, adhere to expiration dates, and prevent the use of degraded products. This practice is part of maintaining the quality and safety standards expected in pharmacy practice, supporting the overall goal of providing safe and effective care to patients.