Korean J Clin Pharm.  2021 Jun;31(2):96-103. 10.24304/kjcp.2021.31.2.96.

Awareness on expiration date of repackaged prescription medications and pulverization of solid pills: A questionnaire study

• Kim SY
• Choi YJ
• Sohn HS

• KMID: 2517307
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2021.31.2.96

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.

Keyword

Expiration dates; medication repackaging; prescription medication; powdered medication; pulverization of medication