THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA)has urged the Therapeutic Goods Administration to reduce pack sizes for S8 opioids, in the light of research indicating discharged patients receiving a 14 day supply of sustained released opioids had a 25% chance of remaining on the painkillers one year later.
The SHPA has backed regulatory options canvassed in the TGA discussion paper on opioids (PD Mon) - and also noted that it is more commonplace in hospitals to give partial packs of medicines commensurate to medical need, in comparison to retail pharmacies "who are traditionally reluctant to break up packs".
Other key SHPA priorities include a review of the indications for S8 opioids to ensure the products and strengths available are appropriate.
Thirdly the Society said the TGA should consider whether the highest dose products should remain on the market, or be restricted to authority or specialist prescribing.
The SHPA also urged the adoption of real-time prescription monitoring with hospital pharmacists seen as key stakeholders who should be consulted in their development.
Visit shpa.org.au for access to the SHPA submission.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 14 Mar 18
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 14 Mar 18
