PHARMACEUTICAL Defence Limited has noted a recent AHPRA investigation of a pharmacist proprietor, alleging that the pharmacy failed to appropriately control the dispensing of Endone to an employee of an aged care facility.
Pharmacists at the pharmacy had dispensed the drug following receipt of medication charts from the facility, which comprised a cover page detailing the requested medication and the corresponding drug chart.
In the event that the pharmacy could not locate a current script on file, the medication was nevertheless supplied to a staff member of the facility in the interests of continuity of supply.
Although the pharmacy owner had not personally dispensed the drug, he was cautioned and had a one-off audit condition imposed.
AHPRA's report noted that a pharmacy proprietor "must maintain an awareness of the manner in which the pharmacy business is being conducted, and where necessary intervene to ensure laws, standards and guidelines are adhered to".
AHPRA also investigated at least three of the pharmacists involved in the dispensing of the drug, with all three cautioned and reminded of their dispensing obligations.
PDL said the case sent a clear message that the Board expected proprietor pharmacists to ensure that staff under their control were lawfully dispensing medications.
It was also highlighted that the supply of drugs under "owing prescriptions" is not supported by legislation.
MEANWHILE PDL has also warned of a potential trap in dispensing the Kalma brand of alprazolam 0.5mg, with a high chance of making a selection error between the 10s and 50s versions (pictured) due to identical label graphics and a red cap.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Mar 18
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 29 Mar 18
