Do I have to date creams? | QCS

Hello Sheila. Is not dating when creams and eye drops are opened a medication error?

Sheila Scott
Answered by Sheila Scott

 

Dear Barbara,

 

This is a very important question.

 

The pharmacist should date the cream or eye drops on the date he/she dispensed the cream or eye drops.

 

As you say the cream, lotion or eye drops should also be dated when they are used for the first time and in a care home this information should be part of a regular audit trail.

 

Failure to do this would be seen to be a medication error and I have seen this error reported in many inspection reports.

 

There should be a clear understanding in the care home of the length of time the cream, lotion or eye drops can be used for. For eye drops it is normally one month although I would always advocate asking the pharmacist.

 

Best wishes.

 

Sheila

 

 

About Sheila Scott

Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector. 3. Read more

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