Which action must be taken if expired medications are found in an Automated Dispensing System (ADS)?

When expired medications are discovered in an Automated Dispensing System (ADS), it is essential to ensure patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards. The correct action is to immediately remove the expired medications. This is crucial because administering expired medications can lead to ineffective treatment and potential harm to patients.

Removing expired products from the ADS prevents the possibility of dispensing a medication that may no longer be safe or effective. Additionally, regulatory bodies require that medications be maintained within their expiration dates to ensure proper patient care. Proper inventory management protocols necessitate immediate removal of any expired stock to maintain compliance and avoid liability issues.

Leaving expired medications until the next stock refresh could inadvertently result in them being dispensed to patients, which poses significant risks. Repurposing expired medications for research purposes is generally not permissible due to safety and ethical concerns. Consulting a supervisor before taking action could potentially delay the necessary removal of expired medications, which conflicts with the urgency required in this situation. Thus, the direct and immediate removal of expired medications is the most responsible and compliant course of action.