What should be done if a medication expires in 3 months and the patient is receiving a 3-month supply?

• A. The expiring medication should be dispensed.
• B. The expiring medication should not be dispensed.
• C. The expiry date should be extended.
• D. The medication can be dispensed with counseling.

Answer: (B)

The situation tests ensuring the patient receives medication that remains within its valid shelf life for the entire planned course. You want a supply that stays potent and safe through every day of treatment. If the expiry date will be reached during the time the patient is using the medication, you should not dispense it. In this case, a three‑month supply with an expiration three months from now means the product would be at or near expiry by the end of therapy, risking reduced potency or safety uncertainty. The correct move is to not dispense and instead work with the prescriber to obtain a stock with a later expiry or adjust the supply so the patient receives medication that remains valid for the full course. Extending the expiry date is not allowed, and simply providing counseling does not address the underlying issue of product stability.