Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a REMS program?

1. To provide medication discounts

2. To ensure safe use of specific medications

3. To promote generic drug use

4. To standardize pharmacy operations

The correct answer is: To ensure safe use of specific medications

The purpose of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program is to ensure the safe use of specific medications, particularly those that carry a high risk of adverse effects or misuse. REMS is implemented by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is required for certain medications that have serious safety concerns associated with their use. These programs are designed to inform patients and healthcare providers about the risks of a medication, outline necessary precautions, and establish monitoring protocols to minimize the potential for harm. This can include requirements such as patient registries, mandatory patient counseling, and even limiting the prescribing of the medication to certified providers. By doing so, REMS helps to balance the benefits of a medication with its potential risks, ultimately promoting patient safety and effective therapeutic outcomes. The other options refer to different aspects of medication management and pharmacy practice, but they do not pertain to the specific intent and structured approach of REMS programs in protecting patient safety related to high-risk medications.