Medication Management (MM) (Nursing Care Center / Nursing Care Center)
Multi-Dose Vials - Punctured or Opened Discard Date
Publish | January 01, 0001
When do multi-dose vials that have been punctured or opened need to be discarded?
Multi-dose vials are to be discarded 28 days after first use unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise (shorter or longer). Manufacturers are only required by law to test the effectiveness of the bacteriostatic agent used in the multi-dose vial for a period of 28 days. Manufacturers are allowed by the FDA to provide extended dating in the package insert if they have conducted testing beyond the 28 days. Multi-dose pens, such as those used to inject medications such as insulin and Byetta must also follow these guidelines.
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