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Eye drop in-use expiry — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateDispensing and SupplyEye drop in-use expiryGPhC CRA

An older patient using latanoprost asks whether he can continue a bottle opened 8 weeks ago because it is not empty. He stores it in the bathroom and has no spare bottle. His glaucoma review is next month. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: A — advise replacing the opened bottle according to the product's in-use expiry and arrange timely resupply

Many eye drops have a limited in-use expiry after opening because of contamination risk and product stability. The patient should follow the product-specific discard period and obtain a replacement promptly. Sharing another person's glaucoma drops is unsafe because the medicine and dose may differ. Stopping glaucoma treatment can risk loss of pressure control.

Reference: BNF; SmPC; MEP