Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which of the following products is considered misbranded?

1. A tube of triamcinolone cream stored in an unsanitary warehouse

2. A vial of insulin that has been stored in a hot car

3. A bag of IV vancomycin compounded with an incompatible diluent

4. A bottle labeled valsartan 40mg, but containing valsartan 80mg tablets

The correct answer is: A bottle labeled valsartan 40mg, but containing valsartan 80mg tablets

The product that is considered misbranded is the one labeled valsartan 40mg but containing valsartan 80mg tablets. A product is deemed misbranded when there is a discrepancy between what the label states and the actual identity or quantity of the substance within the product. In this case, the label indicates that the bottle contains a specific dosage of valsartan (40mg), while the actual contents are a different dosage (80mg). Such a misrepresentation can lead to patient safety issues, as the dosing may not align with what is prescribed, potentially causing medication errors. In contrast, the other scenarios do not directly pertain to misbranding in the same way. A tube of triamcinolone cream stored in an unsanitary warehouse may pose a risk regarding quality or safety, but the product's labeling and identity remain accurate. Similarly, insulin stored improperly in a hot car may lose potency or efficacy but is still accurately labeled. Finally, the IV vancomycin compounded with an incompatible diluent implies a potential issue regarding compounding practices and safety rather than a misbranding of the product itself.