THE Pharmacy Guild has put out a regulatory reminder for Schedule 4D drug requirements explaining a scenario on what pharmacists should do in case 'a patient has been presenting prescriptions for Schedule 4D drugs from several different doctors from different practices'.
The Guild states that pharmacists should contact each prescriber and inform them of the situation.
"Enquire whether, considering this information, the prescriber deems it safe and appropriate to continue to have the prescription dispensed.
"It is recommended that the pharmacist document these conversations with prescribers and any resulting outcomes.
"Benzodiazepines and anabolic steroids are often diverted for illicit supply on the street."
Furthermore, the Guild adds there may be significant clinical complications for patients taking high doses of benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or clonazepam in combination with other prescribed medications such as methadone or other opiates.
Prescribers may be referred to the Pharmaceutical Services website or encouraged to contact a Senior Pharmaceutical Officer at the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Unit to discuss the matter further.
Prescribers can also be referred to Medicare Australia's Prescription Shopping Program website for information about the release of all PBS or MBS patient claims information, the Guild explained.
"Pharmacists are reminded that they may only supply restricted substances in an appropriate quantity and for a purpose that accords with the recognised therapeutic standard of what is appropriate in the circumstances (see clause 54 of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008).
"The effect of this is that the quantity and frequency of dispensing must correspond with the dosages indicated on the prescription and that these dosages and quantities are appropriate in the circumstances.
"If you continue to have concerns about a particular patient or the practice of a particular prescriber, contact the Duty Pharmaceutical Officer at the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Unit during business hours on (02) 9391 9944 for further advice," the Guild concluded.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Jul 23
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