Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Medication must maintain its strength on the label until which time?

1. Expiration date

2. Manufacturing date

3. Beyond-use date (BUD)

4. Distribution date

The correct answer is: Beyond-use date (BUD)

The correct answer is that medication must maintain its strength on the label until the beyond-use date (BUD). The BUD is the date after which a compounded preparation or a repackaged drug is not considered to be suitable for use. It is critical in pharmacy practice, particularly for compounded medications, as it reflects the point at which the stability (including strength and efficacy) of the medication can no longer be guaranteed. The expiration date refers to the last date a manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a drug product. It is important but pertains to commercially manufactured medications rather than compounded ones. The manufacturing date is simply when the drug was produced and does not inform the user about the stability or potency over time. The distribution date indicates when the medication is shipped but does not directly affect its potency and strength as denoted on the label. By focusing on the beyond-use date, pharmacists ensure that patients receive medications that are likely to be effective and safe, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining medication strength throughout its intended use period.