Which action should a pharmacy technician take if they suspect a medication is counterfeit?

When a pharmacy technician suspects that a medication is counterfeit, the appropriate action is to notify the pharmacist and follow proper procedures. This is critical because the pharmacist has the authority and training to handle the situation appropriately, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Counterfeit medications can pose significant risks to patient health, including incorrect dosages, harmful ingredients, or no active ingredient at all. By involving the pharmacist, the technician is ensuring that the issue is escalated to someone with the expertise necessary to assess the situation, make an informed decision, and report the counterfeit medication to the relevant authorities.

Following proper procedures is essential in these scenarios because there are protocols in place for dealing with suspected counterfeit drugs. This could involve quarantining the medication, reporting it to authorities, or conducting further investigations.

Other options like dispensing the medication, returning it without informing anyone, or disposing of it immediately do not address the importance of proper protocol in managing potential counterfeit medications and could lead to patient harm or legal issues for the pharmacy.