Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

How often must investigational drugs be inventoried?

1. Daily

2. Weekly

3. Perpetual inventory

4. Monthly

The correct answer is: Perpetual inventory

The frequency of inventory for investigational drugs is designated as a perpetual inventory. This means that a continuously maintained record is kept of the inventory levels of these drugs. The perpetual inventory system is essential in the handling of investigational drugs due to the strict regulations and oversight required for such medications, which often involve clinical trials and strict controls for patient safety and protocol adherence. By maintaining a perpetual inventory, pharmacies can ensure they always have accurate and up-to-date records of the quantities on hand, allowing for immediate identification of discrepancies. This is especially important as investigational drugs are often in limited supply and may have specific protocols governing their storage, handling, and distribution. Other options such as daily, weekly, and monthly inventories are more limited in scope and do not provide the continuous oversight necessary for the compliance and safety associated with investigational drugs. Underestimating the importance of keeping an accurate and ongoing log could risk running afoul of regulatory requirements, potentially jeopardizing both patient safety and the integrity of the clinical trial process.