What should be done with compounded sterile preparations that have exceeded their beyond-use date?

Compounded sterile preparations that have exceeded their beyond-use date must be disposed of according to regulations and facility policy. The beyond-use date is determined based on stability data and intended to ensure that preparations maintain their quality and effectiveness. Using compounded sterile preparations beyond this date poses a risk to patient safety, as the potency, sterility, and overall quality cannot be guaranteed.

Disposing of these preparations in accordance with established regulations ensures compliance with safety standards and protects both patients and healthcare workers from any potential harm. Adhering to proper disposal methods, which may include specific waste disposal protocols, helps in maintaining a safe and controlled environment for patient care.

Other options, such as using expired preparations for training purposes, storing them for further testing, or assuming they are still safe for use, contradict the principles of aseptic technique and drug safety, as they compromise the reliability of compounded preparations. Ensuring the integrity and safety of sterile compounded preparations is a fundamental aspect of pharmacy practice.