How many times can a needle be used to puncture the same drug before it must be discarded?

Needles designed for the administration of injectable medications can typically puncture the same rubber stopper on a vial up to five times before they should be discarded. This recommendation is based on the need to maintain sterility and efficacy of the needle as well as the integrity of the drug. After multiple punctures, the needle may become dull or contaminated, which can affect both the safety and effectiveness of the medication administered.

Additionally, using a needle beyond the recommended number of punctures could also increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the vial, which can lead to potential infections or complications for patients receiving the medication. As such, adhering to this guideline ensures the highest standards of practice in pharmacy and patient care.