PHARMACEUTICAL Defence Limited (PDL) has warned that the 01 Feb 2018 rescheduling of codeine will provide "opportunities and challenges for many pharmacists and pharmacy staff".
Reports to PDL consistently relate to the supply, or denial of supply, of codeine containing medicines, and the organisation anticipates the scheduling change will reduce the number and consequences of these incidents.
"However challenges posed by customers requesting these medicines during the transition phase of the up-scheduling may have an impact on pharmacists' practice and potentially lead to formal complaint or further action," according to a new PDL Practice Alert issued last week.
PDL said good communication with customers was "vital in minimising the likelihood of an incident occurring, or in an incident escalating to formal enquiry," and urged pharmacists and pharmacy staff to be prepared for enquiries and envisage the range of scenarios that may occur.
More one-to-one time may be required with customers, and pharmacies should ensure staffing levels are adequate.
Pharmacy assistants should be aware of protocols to refer enquiries to pharmacists, and any advice provided to customers should be documented, PDL said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Jan 18
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