PT215 Ch. 9: Pharmacy Practice, OTC Drugs, and Complementary Medicine Overview

Roles of pharmacy technicians in OTC drug sales

Help customers find medications, understand product labels, and may cite FDA recommendations, but cannot counsel patients.

Factors contributing to the increased sales of OTC drugs

Increased costs of prescription medications, inconvenience of physician visits, lack of adequate health insurance, and high drug insurance deductibles.

Role of pharmacists in OTC drug sales

Counsel patients on OTC use and can legally address questions regarding these products.

Must be documented when selling Schedule V OTC products

The name and address of the purchaser, date of birth, date of purchase, name and quantity of the drug sold, and initials of the pharmacist.

Complementary medicine

A nonconventional treatment used together with conventional medicine.

Alternative medicine

A nonconventional treatment used in place of conventional medicine.

What integrative health involves

The practice of coordinating conventional and complementary approaches in a holistic manner, considering various aspects of a patient's life.

3 examples of nonconventional treatments

Natural products, specialized diets, and acupuncture.

Dietary supplement

A product that can be a vitamin, mineral, or herbal product considered useful for nutrition, illness prevention, or symptom alleviation.

Purpose of Echinacea

It purportedly boosts the immune system.

Use of Ginger in alternative medicine

It can relieve nausea.

How Melatonin can be beneficial

It may relieve insomnia, especially in shift workers or travelers.

Types of equipment included in Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Canes, wheelchairs, walkers, blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors, nebulizers, and oxygen equipment.

Average wholesale price (AWP)

The average price that wholesalers charge pharmacies for a given drug, dose, and package size.

Formula used to calculate prescription reimbursement price

AWP × reimbursement percentage rate + dispensing fee = reimbursement amount.

Significance of acquisition cost for pharmacies

It is the lower-than-retail price that a pharmacy pays to wholesalers for drugs, impacting profitability.

Responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in inventory management

Locating stock, labeling shelves, storing products, restocking, documenting reorder levels, and checking expiration dates.

Pharmacy informatics

The use of information technology in pharmacy practice to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Common payment options at a pharmacy's point-of-sale

Cash, credit/debit cards, and insurance claims.

Importance of checking expiration dates in inventory management

To ensure the safety and efficacy of medications and supplies.

Limitations of pharmacy technicians in OTC drug sales

They cannot provide counseling to patients but can assist with product selection and information.

Why primary care providers incorporate alternative treatments

To provide a more holistic approach to patient care that includes both conventional and alternative methods.

Role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)

To negotiate drug prices and reimburse pharmacies based on contracts.

Significance of documenting Schedule V drug sales

To comply with legal requirements and track the sale of controlled substances.

Examples of complementary medicine practices

Acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy.

Relationship between OTC drug sales and healthcare access

OTC sales have increased as patients seek alternatives due to high costs and limited access to conventional healthcare.