Emergency Supply of Prescription-Only Medicines

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Questions and Answers

What is a mandatory labeling requirement for a medicine supplied in an emergency?

The medical reason for prescription

The expiry date of the medicine

The date of supply (correct)

The name of the prescribing doctor

Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement for the emergency supply of a prescription-only medicine (POM)?

Name of the person requesting the POM

Pharmacy's name and address

Home address of the patient (correct)

Pharmaceutical form and strength

In the context of emergency POM supply, what does the term 'CD' refer to?

Comorbid Disorder

Completely Dangerous

Controlled Dependency

Controlled Drug (correct)

What is required to be documented when a patient requests an emergency supply of a POM?

Other useful information that may help (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason that a patient might request an emergency supply of a POM?

They ran out of medication at home (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for an emergency supply at the request of a patient?

The pharmacist must confirm there is an immediate need. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following POM supplies is not permitted in an emergency supply at the request of a patient?

A controlled drug from schedule 2. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many days' supply can a pharmacist provide for a controlled drug in schedules 4 or 5 during an emergency?

5 days maximum. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be recorded in the POM register during an emergency supply?

The nature of the emergency. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding emergency supplies of POMs is true?

A full treatment cycle of oral contraceptives can be supplied. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum quantity of an antibiotic in liquid form that can be supplied in an emergency?

The smallest quantity necessary for the full course. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which healthcare professionals are authorized to prescribe a POM for emergency supply?

Community practitioner nurses and supplementary prescribers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement for emergency supply at the request of a patient?

The patient must present a valid ID. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might lead a pharmacist to deny an emergency supply of medication?

Patients are abusing the medication they request (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor a pharmacist should consider when deciding on an emergency supply?

The time since the last prescription was issued (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) not approve a pharmacist when they refuse to supply medicine?

The patient has made a complaint or is dissatisfied (D) Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency supply situation, what should a pharmacist do if they do not find the supply appropriate?

Advise the patient on how to obtain essential medical care (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical primary obligation for pharmacists when handling emergency supply requests?

Making the care of patients the first concern (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should a pharmacist consider when recording POM (Prescription Only Medicine) register entries during an emergency supply?

Adding extra details about the patient's request (C) Signup and view all the answers

What might be a valid reason for Sharon to request emergency medication at a pharmacy?

She left without her prescription and is on holiday (B) Signup and view all the answers

When making an emergency supply decision, why is it important to justify your actions as a pharmacist?

To protect yourself from potential complaints (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should a pharmacist verify before providing an emergency supply of a prescription-only medication (POM) requested by a prescriber?

That the prescriber is satisfied with the emergency conditions. (A), That the prescriber is a licensed healthcare professional. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Frank needing an emergency supply of his inhaler, what is a standard limitation for how many emergency supplies can be made for the same patient within a specific time frame?

No more than six emergency supplies within a year. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the timeframe in which a prescriber must provide a prescription after an emergency supply of a POM is issued?

72 hours (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following healthcare professionals is NOT typically authorized to request an emergency supply of a POM?

Veterinarian (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient claims that their medication fell and broke, what is a critical factor a pharmacist should consider before providing a replacement?

Whether the patient has previously received emergency supplies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would legally allow a pharmacist to supply a controlled drug (CD) on an emergency basis?

When the supply is requested by a licensed prescriber in an emergency situation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility of the pharmacist when providing an emergency supply of medication?

To maintain the record of the emergency supply. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient frequently requests emergency supplies, what action is most appropriate for the pharmacist to take?

Advise the patient on proper medication management. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of Sally Smith, the patient for whom Dr Smart wants to prescribe amoxicillin?

5 years (D) Signup and view all the answers

What medication does Dr Smart want to prescribe to Mick Smith?

Diazepam (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the required dosage for the diazepam tablets that Dr Smart wishes to prescribe to Mick Smith?

1 tablet at night (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under the NHS community pharmacy contract in England, what type of service allows pharmacists to supply an emergency supply to patients?

Advanced service (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a patient is exempt from paying an NHS prescription charge when supplied emergency medication?

They pay nothing for the medicines (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the emergency supply of a prescription-only medicine (POM) is false?

It can be supplied under any circumstance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage for patients who are exempt from paying NHS prescription charges?

They do not pay for emergency medicines supplied. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why was Dr Smart unable to provide written prescriptions for Mick and Sally Smith?

He forgot his pad at home. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which schedules of controlled drugs (CDs) cannot be supplied by approved country health professionals?

Schedules 1 and 2 only (A) Signup and view all the answers

What information must be recorded in the POM register when an emergency supply is made?

The quantity and pharmaceutical form of the POM (B) Signup and view all the answers

How long does a practitioner have to provide a prescription after an emergency supply request?

72 hours (A) Signup and view all the answers

What limitation exists when fulfilling a patient's request for an emergency supply of medication?

Limited to 5 days for controlled drugs (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required to appear on the label when medication is supplied at the request of a patient?

Emergency supply (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the supply of Schedule 3 controlled drugs is accurate?

Can only be supplied for phenobarbital in epilepsy treatment (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about patient interviews during emergency supplies?

Not required if a prescription is provided (D) Signup and view all the answers

What three dates must be recorded in the POM register entry for an emergency supply?

Date of supply, date of prescription, date of request (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between an emergency supply made at a practitioner's request compared to a patient's request?

Only the patient's request requires an interview (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

OSPAP Programme: Emergency Supply of a POM

Emergency supply of POMs is an exception to the need for a prescription.
POMs can only be supplied on a prescription written by a qualified medical professional.
Emergency supply allows dispensing without a prescription in special circumstances.
This exemption is legally allowed under the Medicines Act 1968 and HMR 2012.

Learning Outcomes

Two different types of emergency supply are discussed, with separate legal requirements and labelling/record keeping protocols.
Understand the classes of medicines ineligible for emergency supply.
Understand common myths surrounding emergency supplies.
Aware of professional considerations influencing emergency supply decisions.
Apply legal and professional requirements in emergency supply scenarios.

Emergency Supply of a POM - Reminder

POMs can only be supplied on a prescription from an appropriate medical professional (except in cases of emergency supply).
Emergency supply means the provision of a POM without a valid prescription present during dispensing.
Pharmacists can utilize this legal exemption (from the Medicines Act 1968 and the HMR 2012) for patient benefit.
There are myths surrounding the supply procedure and potential hesitancy from pharmacists.

Emergency Supply at the Request of a Patient (1)

The pharmacist must interview the patient.
The need is immediate and obtaining a prescription would cause undue delay.
The POM has been prescribed previously by a qualified medical professional (doctor, dentist, etc.).
The dose is appropriate for the patient.

Emergency Supply at the Request of a Patient (2)

There are restrictions to emergency supply of Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drugs (CDs).
Maximum supply duration for controlled drugs (Schedules 4 and 5) is 5 days; for other POMs, it is 30 days.
Specific preparations, such as insulin, ointments, asthma inhalers, contraceptives, and certain antibiotics, have allowances beyond the 30-day limit.

Emergency Supply at the Request of a Patient (3)

The POM register must detail the date of supply, the name/quantity/type of POM, the patient's name and address, the nature of the emergency, and reasons a prescription isn't immediately obtainable.
These requirements are crucial and legally binding.
Additional data points are helpful to document, beyond the required registration.

POM Register Example

A specific example of a POM register entry, including details of the patient, medication, and circumstances, is shown for a patient requesting 10 Phenytoin capsules.

Emergency Supply at the Request of a Patient (4)

The container or package for dispensed medication needs labelling.
This must include the date of supply, the patient's info, the name/quantity/type of medication, the pharmacy details, 'Emergency Supply' and a 'Keep out of reach of children' warning.

Can you Emergency Supply a CD at the Request of a Patient?

Schedule 1 or 2 CDs cannot be supplied.
Certain Schedule 3 CDs (phenobarbital or phenobarbital sodium) are an exception only if for epilepsy treatment.
The request must be by a qualified country health professional.
If the medication is a CD in Schedules 1, 2, or 3, emergency supply is not allowed.

Emergency Supplies in a Pandemic

Exemptions exist for medicines legislation in pandemic situations (which must be officially declared).
The pharmacist doesn't need to interview the person requesting the medication.
The conditions of making emergency supplies are relaxed in a pandemic.

Myths Surrounding Emergency Supplies at the Request of a Patient.

Patients might request emergency supplies due to inappropriate misuse, rather than actual emergencies.
Frequent requests can undermine the rationale for emergency supply policies.
Supplying emergency supplies at patient requests frequently does not result in a medical emergency.
The GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) will not sanction supply without thorough professional assessment and relevant guidance.

What are Your Professional Obligations?

A pharmacist must prioritize patient care and must consider possible adverse consequences of declining the patient's request.
The interval from the last time the patient received the medicine is a key consideration.
Careful quantity consideration is essential.
Detailed record-keeping (with the specific reasons for supply).
Clear advice about alternative options if the supply is not deemed appropriate.
Understanding the justifications for your actions to avoid potential challenges.

Additional Scenarios

Various scenarios (1 - 5) demonstrate practical applications of the guidelines, highlighting different situations and ethical considerations.

Emergency Supply at the Request of a Prescriber

Conditions for emergency supply by a prescriber are addressed based on the pharmacist's satisfaction about the request's legitimacy.
The request must be for a valid reason (e.g., emergency situations, inability to provide immediate prescription).
The prescribed medicine must be dispensed according to the prescriber's instructions.
All other professional and legal considerations from the previous sections apply.

Can you Emergency Supply a CD at the Request of a Prescriber?

No emergency supply is allowed for Schedule 1 or 2 CDs.
Schedule 3 CDs may be supplied, with exceptions, if prescribed for epilepsy treatment by a qualified health professional.
Current good practice guidelines for the maximum duration of a prescription still apply, regardless of the supply request type (emergency or general).

Records that should be Made

Clear records are critical to maintain for emergency supplies.
The POM Register must record the date of supply, the patient's and prescriber's contact info, the details and type of medicine, and when the prescription will arrive.
These are strictly legal requirements.

Patient's Request vs. Practitioner's Request Summary

Key differences between a patient's request and a practitioner's request for emergency supply are summarized.
A table effectively compares the quantities, prescription requirements (prescription availability, delay, etc.), details needed in the POM register, interview regulations, and the nature of medication supplies.

Further Information

The guidance sheets on emergency supply are available on the RPS (Royal Pharmaceutical Society) website.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also publishes pertinent information about the emergency supply of medicines.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the requirements and regulations surrounding the emergency supply of prescription-only medicines (POMs). This quiz covers key aspects such as labeling requirements, documentation needs, and the legalities involved. Perfect for pharmacy students or practicing pharmacists looking to refresh their understanding of emergency protocols.