general rules/ psychotropic drugs/ punishment

Can a pharmacist practice another medical profession simultaneously?

No, a pharmacist cannot practice another medical profession (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine) simultaneously, even if they have a degree in that profession.

Can pharmaceutical establishments trade or deal with toxic substances without specific requests?

No, they must have a signed written request stamped with "TOXIC" to trade or deal with toxic substances listed in table 1.

Is it allowed to trade in free medical samples?

No, it is forbidden to trade in free medical samples. They should be kept in a separate storeroom and labeled as "Free Medical Sample".

How long must pharmaceutical establishments keep invoices and records?

They must keep accurate organized invoices and records for the former 5 years.

Do EDA inspectors have the right to scrutinize invoices or records in pharmaceutical establishments?

Yes, EDA inspectors have the right to scrutinize or investigate any invoices or records in pharmaceutical establishments.

Can pharmaceutical establishments refrain from selling a pharmaceutical product to stock it?

No, it is not allowed for a pharmaceutical establishment to refrain from selling a pharmaceutical product to stock it for any reason.

What describes a psychotropic drug?

A psychotropic drug affects behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception by altering neurotransmitters to improve symptoms.

How are narcotic drugs distributed and documented?

• Distributed only by EgyDrug (governmental distributor) - In and out quantities documented by EgyDrug in a notebook with numbered pages issued by EDA

How many products can each pharmacy have?

Each pharmacy can have a limited number of each product according to EDA rules. Pharmacies with night shifts and public sector pharmacies can have up to three times the normal quantities.

How must narcotics be purchased?

Narcotics can only be purchased by cheque, not by cash.

Are free medical samples of psychotropic drugs allowed?

No, it is not permitted to produce free medical samples for these products.

What must a pharmacy manager do to obtain psychotropic drugs?

Submit a signed and stamped request (with "TOXIC" stamp) to the local medical district, which issues a letter allowing the pharmacy to take its share from EgyDrug. The letter is valid for 6 months.

How long must invoices for psychotropic drugs be kept?

The invoice must be signed by the manager and kept for 5 years in the pharmacy. An invoice copy stamped with the pharmacy stamp will be kept in EgyDrug for the same period.

What drugs are included in Narcotic Drugs of Table 1?

Includes morphine and its derivatives, dihydrocodeine, codeine, amphepramone, butorphanol, ketamine, zolpidem, and tramadol.

How many products from Table 1 can be on one prescription?

Only one product from this group can be on one prescription, which is then taken from the patient and kept in the pharmacy as a record.

What is the dispensing limit for Table 1 drugs?

It is not allowed to dispense more than one month for each prescription.

What drugs are included in Narcotic Drugs of Table 2?

Includes nefopam, benzodiazepines derivatives (e.g., diazepam), and paracodeine.

How many products from Table 2 can be on one prescription?

No more than two products from this group can be on one prescription, which is stamped with the pharmacy stamp to prevent repeated buying.

What is the dispensing limit for Table 2 drugs?

It is not allowed to dispense more than one month for each prescription.

What drugs are included in Narcotic Drugs of Table 3?

Includes migranil, caffeine, dipyrone, ergotamine, meprobamate, and phenobarbital.

Is there a dispensing limit for Table 3 drugs?

No maximum limit is allowed for dispensing, but the prescription is stamped with the pharmacy stamp to prevent repeated buying.

What is the punishment for practicing pharmacy without a license or obtaining a license by forgery?

Jail and/or fine.

What is the punishment for a pharmacist who allows a non-pharmacist to use his name to practice pharmacy?

Jail and/or fine.

What is the consequence of opening a pharmaceutical establishment without a license?

Closing the establishment and jail and/or fine.

What happens to an owner who practices non-pharmaceutical activity in a pharmaceutical establishment?

Closing the establishment for 6 – 12 months.

What is the punishment for selling or manufacturing unregistered pharmaceutical products?

Closing the establishment for 3 – 12 months and paying a fine.