Dispensing PSA Flashcards

Legal Checks for a Prescription

Written in indelible ink: Ensures that the prescription is permanent and readable.
Signed by the prescriber: Must be actual signature; check prescriber registration if unknown.
Dated: Important for determining validity and expiry of the prescription.
Prescriber's address: Enables identification of the prescriber and location.
Prescriber's qualification: Confirms that the prescriber is authorized to write the prescription.
Patient's name/address: Personal identification of the individual for whom the medication is intended.
Patient's age: Necessary for patients under 12 years to ensure appropriate treatment.

Duration: Labels must specify duration, e.g., 'Take for 7 days' to guide patient compliance.

Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs (CD):
- Must enter into the CD register to maintain accurate records.
Cautionary labels: Appropriate warnings should be included on labels to inform about potential risks.

Can be deduced from dosage instructions or quantity box on the prescription to ensure the correct amount is supplied.

Legal checks: Ensure all legal requirements are fulfilled.
Clinical checks: Verify appropriateness of the medication for the patient.
Interactions: Check for potential drug-drug interactions.
Endorsements: Confirm endorsements, if any.
Produce label & dispense: Generate the label for the medication and dispense it.
Accuracy check: Ensure that what is being dispensed matches the prescription accurately.

Must include:
- Form & strength: Specify drug form (e.g., tablet, liquid) and strength.
- Quantity in words and figures: Clearly state the amount to be dispensed.
- Clear dose: e.g., 'one as directed' - must be explicit and unambiguous.
- Indication: Should state 'For dental treatment' if prescribed by a dentist.

As directed and when required: Not acceptable for Schedule 2 CDs; must be clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Require safe storage:
- Yes: Temazepam, Buprenorphine
- No: Phenobarbital, Gabapentin, Midazolam, Pregabalin, Tramadol

Max emergency supply for phenobarbital: 5 days.
Max emergency supply for POMs (Prescription Only Medications): 30 days.
Exceptions to emergency supply quantities:
- Insulin/creams/inhalers: smallest pack
- Oral contraceptives: full cycle
- Liquid antibiotics: full course

Must include: 'Emergency supply' to indicate that it is an authorized temporary measure.