Pharmacy Technicians and Inventory Management

Role of Pharmacy Technicians in Inventory Management

• Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in inventory management within the pharmacy department.
• Responsibilities include assessing if medications are:
  • Ordered
  • Used
  • Priced
  • Sold appropriately

Financial Calculations in Pharmacy

• Gross Profit Calculation

  • Example: A pharmacy sells a prescription for $40.50$. The cost is $21.65$.
  • Gross profit = Selling Price - Cost Price
    $= 40.50 - 21.65 = 18.85$
  • Therefore, Gross Profit is $18.85$.

• Percentage Markup Calculation

  • Example: Inventory cost of medication: $12.50$, Selling price: $22.00$
  • Markup = Selling Price - Cost Price
    $= 22.00 - 12.50 = 9.50$
  • Percentage Markup = (Markup / Cost Price) x 100
    = (9.50 / 12.50) imes 100 = 76 ext{%}

Dispensing Systems in Institutional Pharmacy

• Institutional pharmacies operate differently than community pharmacies and require specific dispensing processes.
• Medications are packaged individually for accurate administration.
• Common packaging types include:
  • Punch Cards
  • Blister Packs
• Benefits:
  • Accountability for dosing
  • Reduces errors in administering medications

Repackaging Medications

• Medications may need to be repackaged from bulk supplies.
• Key components in repackaging:
  • Product Identification: Accurate labeling of final products is mandatory.
  • Environmental Exposure: Ensure containers protect products from:
  • Air, Moisture, Light, Heat, Contaminants.
  • Handling: Use packaging that minimizes destruction and chemical interaction with medications.
  • Usability: Ensure packaging is easy to use for staff.

Additional Guidelines for Repackaging

• Use a clean, isolated area for the repackaging process.
• Repackage one medication at a time to mitigate confusion.
• Follow stringent procedures to avoid exposure or contamination.
• Maintain records of repackaging for at least one year.

Patient Medication Adherence Tools

• Various tools can help improve patient adherence to medication regimens:
  • Dosage Spoons: Accurate measurement, reduces spillage.
  • Pill Cutters: More effective than using regular knives; maintains dosage integrity.
  • Droppers: Ideal for small liquid doses.
  • Oral Syringes: Facilitate accurate dosing, some fit directly on medicine bottles.
  • Dosing Planners/Pill Organizers: Assist patients in organizing daily medications.
  • Reminders: Watches or alarms can assist with timely medication intake.

Sterile Compounding Standards

• United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 797 Standards:
  • Outline sterile compounding guidelines, compliance, and procedures.
• Importance of these standards in:
  • Hospitals
  • Community pharmacies (especially for sterile ophthalmic products)
• Aseptic Technique: Essential for preparing sterile products to prevent contamination.

Parenteral Medications

• These pharmaceuticals bypass the digestive system, typically through:
  • Subcutaneous
  • Intramuscular
  • Intravenous
• Common parenteral products:
  • IV fluids, TOTAL parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, chemotherapy, pain medications.

Aseptic Technique Steps

1. Prepare personnel by ensuring cleanliness and removing jewelry.
2. Wash hands thoroughly.
3. Wear appropriate gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe covers.
4. Label products correctly and verify ingredients.
5. Obtain pharmacist approval and keep accurate records.
6. Maintain compounding equipment to prevent destruction during repackaging.

Conclusion

• Pharmacy technicians must familiarize themselves with both the inventory management and sterile compounding processes to ensure a smooth operational flow in pharmacies and healthcare facilities.