Which date is determined and set by the compounder?

• A. Expiration date
• B. Beyond use date
• C. Manufacturing date
• D. Usage date

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is beyond use date. This date is established by the compounder and refers to the date after which a compounded sterile preparation should not be administered to patients or used. It is based on stability data, the conditions under which the preparation was compounded, and the intended storage conditions.

The beyond use date is critical in ensuring patient safety, as it helps in maintaining the efficacy and integrity of the compounded medication. Typically, it is calculated according to established guidelines and may vary based on the type of preparation, the ingredients used, and the storage environment.

In this context, the expiration date is usually set by the manufacturer and indicates when a commercially available drug may no longer be guaranteed for safety and effectiveness. The manufacturing date signifies when a drug product was produced and is also designated by the manufacturer. Usage date does not commonly apply to sterile compounding and does not relate to any specific pharmaceutical standards.