What should a pharmacy technician do when a patient has a prescription for a medication that is out of stock?

• A. Ignore the prescription
• B. Notify the pharmacist to check alternatives or place an order
• C. Cancel the prescription
• D. Inform the patient to wait

Answer: (B)

When a pharmacy technician encounters a situation where a medication prescribed to a patient is out of stock, the most appropriate action is to notify the pharmacist to check alternatives or place an order. This is important for several reasons.

Firstly, pharmacists are trained to identify alternative medications or dosage forms that may be suitable for the patient if the original prescribed medication is unavailable. They can assess the patient's medication profile and suggest alternatives that maintain therapeutic equivalence.

Secondly, if no viable alternatives are available, the pharmacist can decide to place an order for the medication to replenish the stock. This ensures that the patient will eventually receive their prescribed medication in a timely manner.

By involving the pharmacist, the technician adheres to the established protocols in a pharmacy setting, ensuring patient safety and maintaining the flow of care, which ultimately benefits the patient receiving necessary medication without unnecessary delays or complications.