Question

A pharmacy technician was doing an initial inventory of scheduled drug for a new pharmacy. Describe how he/she should perform the inventory for each schedule of drugs. Explain when he/she can estimate and when he/she must count exactly.

Answer 1

Most pharmacies use a computerized perpetual inventory system
to maintain the stock of medications in the pharmacy. A perpetual
inventory system is a method of recording the quantity of a particular
medication continuously as prescriptions are filled. After each
prescription is filled and dispensed to the patient, the amount of
medication used for the prescription is removed from the inventory
to ensure the quantity on hand in the computer is always current.
Deliveries and returns are also recorded, often automatically, as they
occur.
Federal law requires the use of this inventory system for Schedule II
controlled substances, but using this system for all medications ensures
an accurate reflection of the current stock in the computer system.
There are several tools used in the management of a perpetual
inventory system. The inventory is generally managed through a
computerized inventory management system (although Schedule II
controlled substances are required to be managed on paper as well).
The computer system is designed to automatically update on-hand
quantities as prescriptions are filled and generate automated and
manual reports to allow pharmacy staff to analyze and monitor the
inventory. In general, the computer system can often track turnover
rates, predict future drug needs, notify pharmacy staff when possible

Availability

external factors. These include issues with manufacturing, recalls, decreased availability of raw materials, and higher demand than usual. Availability in the hospital setting can also be affected by changes in

the facility's formulary.

Drug availability should be kept in consideration when ordering medications, and pharmacy technicians should be prepared to consider alternative options and communicate this information to patients, caregivers, nurses and hospital staff when specific medications are

availablity

Expiration dates Medications all have dates after which they may no longer be used, called an expiration date. After a set amount of time, the chemical structures of medications may change to decrease the potency of medication or change it into an entirely different product. Medications must be pulled off the shelf when this date approaches, because it is unsafe to dispense medication after the expiration date has