A pharmacy technician is filling a prescription for fluoxetine 10-mg capsules with an NDC number of 50111-0647-03. The technician pulls a stock bottle with an NDC number of 50111-0647-01. What should be recognized?

The correct choice emphasizes that there is an issue with the package size. The NDC (National Drug Code) number is structured to provide specific information about the drug, including the manufacturer, product, and packaging. In this situation, both NDC numbers share the same prefix, indicating they are from the same manufacturer and pertain to the same medication, fluoxetine.

The difference in the last segment of the NDC numbers signals a variation in packaging. The first NDC (50111-0647-01) indicates a different package size or configuration than the second NDC (50111-0647-03), which is what is needed for the prescription being filled. Thus, recognizing that the package size has changed is crucial, as it affects the quantity available to fulfill the prescription correctly.

Understanding the significance of the NDC format is essential for pharmacy technicians to ensure accurate dispensing and prevent medication errors related to dosages and packaging.