PDL issues Coveram alert
May 6, 2013
PHARMACISTS are being warned
to make sure they ensure they
check the original prescription for
Coveram and Reaptan, because of
potential for the incorrect product
to be dispensed.
The combination products
come in many strengths, and
according to a bulletin issued
by Pharmaceutical Defence
Limited, there’s a discrepancy
between the manufacturer and
PBS listings of the perindopril and
amlodipine components, with the
manufacturer listing the perindopril
first in contrast to the PBS data,
which has the amlodipine first.
PDL says there’s a “particular
risk with the 5mg/10mg and
10mg/5mg strengths, which creates
the potential for the incorrect
product to be dispensed if there
is confusion about the strength of
each ingredient prescribed.”
“PDL recommends EXTREME
care to be taken when dispensing
Coveram or Reaptan,” the bulletin
advises, with pharmacists urged to
contact the prescriber if there is
any uncertainty.
A number of pharmacists have
contacted PD about the issue,
with dispensing software providers
reportedly attempting to rectify the
problem but without a timeframe
for the resolution.
In particular, with Fred Dispense
if a pharmacist scans an old repeat
for Coveram 5/10, the repeat will
come out Coveram 10/5, so that
the drug is the correct strength.
However if the repeat is then
used at another pharmacy there’s a
potential for confusion.
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