Week 6 PHRM100 Comprehensive Study Notes

Week 6 in PHRM100

Overview of Topics

  • Controlled Drugs and Targeted Controlled Drugs

  • Customer Service

  • Review of Pharmacological and Prescribing Guidelines

Controlled Drugs

Controlled Drugs Classification

  1. Controlled Drugs Part I

    • Examples: amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate

  2. Controlled Drugs Part II

    • Examples: butorphanol, most barbiturates, nalbuphine

  3. Controlled Drug Preparations Part II

    • Example: Tecnal

  4. Controlled Drugs Part III

    • Examples: anabolic steroids and derivatives (e.g., testosterone)

  5. Benzodiazepines & Other Targeted Substances

    • Examples: chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clorazepate, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam

Prescription Requirements

Drugs Listed in Various Parts of Schedule to Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations

  • Part I: All products containing only one controlled drug ('straight' controlled drugs) and all combinations containing more than one controlled drug.

  • Part II: Combinations containing one controlled drug and one or more non-controlled ingredients in a recognized therapeutic dose.

  • Part III: Drugs listed in the Schedule to the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations.

Refills & Transfers

  • Refills:

    • Allowed if the prescription includes dates for or intervals between refills.

    • Not allowed for verbal prescriptions.

  • Transfers:

    • Valid if the prescription includes dates for or intervals between refills.

    • Limited to one transfer only.

Purchase & Sales Record Requirements

  • Records of Purchases: Detailed records must be kept for transactions involving controlled substances.

Related Legislation: Food and Drug Act

  • Schedule G Controlled Drugs includes:

    • Part 1: amphetamines

    • Part 2: barbiturates

    • Part 3: anabolic steroids

  • Overlaps with CDSA Schedule 3 & 4

Reportable Controlled Drugs

  • Examples include: Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta

  • Relationship to Schedule 3 of CDSA = Schedule G Part 1 of the FDA

Handling and Documentation

Record Keeping

  • Purchase Records: Always keep accurate records.

  • Sales Records: Only for Part I controlled substances.

  • Emergency Supply Procedures: Ensure documentation aligns with narcotic protocols.

  • Loss/Theft/Forgery: Follow the same protocols as for narcotics.

Verbal and Written Prescriptions

  • Written Rx Example: Ritalin SR 20 mg; two refills every 45 days

  • Verbal Rx Example: Ritalin SR; instructions for dispensing must be precise.

Prescription Deductions

  • Pharmacy Technician's Role: Verify correctness of prescriptions

    1. Identify drug category

    2. Check refill rules based on prescriptions type

Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances

  • Examples: alprazolam, bromazepam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam

Prescription Validity

  • All prescriptions valid for one year from the date written.

  • Refills: Allowed (no interval required), honored if specified.

  • Transfers: Limited to one transfer, must include dispensing dates.

Opioid Medicines

Health Canada Labelling Requirements

  • Information on opioid therapies, risks, and management strategies.

  • Opioid Warning: Dangers of overdose, addictive potential, and side effects.

General Information for Handling Controlled Substances

  • Signing Authority:

    • Each pharmacy owner can designate pharmacists with signing authority.

  • Purchasing: Obtain controlled substances via licensed wholesalers or manufacturers only.

Storage Requirements

  • Controlled substances must be secured in locked cabinets or safes controlled with time-delay mechanisms.

Disposal of Controlled Substances

  • Expiration: Unopened bottles can return to suppliers; open bottles must be destroyed in the presence of a pharmacist.

  • Proper Documentation: Must keep records of disposal or removal from inventory.

Patient Confidentiality and Disclosure

Code of Practice for Patient Information

  • Maintain confidentiality unless consent is granted, or legal orders exist.

  • Circumstances outlined under which personal health information can be shared (e.g., audits, police inquiries).

Scenarios for Practice

  1. Disclosure to law enforcement requires consent or warrant.

  2. Family members need consent for information on minors.

  3. Requests for complete medical histories must be handled carefully to uphold patient confidentiality.

Attributes of Effective Pharmacy Technicians

  • Key qualities:

    • Courteous, polite, empathetic, accurate, honest, respectful, engaging, creative, and knowledgeable.

Homework and Assignments

  • Complete CDSA e-learning module by Oct 12th (2% of grade)

  • Submission of the OCP Reconciliation Module by Oct 19th (5% of grade)

  • Group Assignment due by Oct 19th (10% of grade) – collaboration encouraged.

This study guide provides a comprehensive reference to the topics and practical applications for PHRM100, particularly focusing on controlled substances, prescription regulations, handling procedures, and the importance of patient confidentiality. Students should familiarize themselves with relevant laws and regulations while honing the ethical responsibilities of pharmacy practice.