Pharmacy: Valid Prescription Features

Pharm 161 - Prescriptions

• This course covers prescriptions
• A prescription is an order from a medical doctor, dentist, veterinary practitioner (or nurse practitioner in the USA) for the supply of medicine, medical appliance or wound dressing to a patient
• Prescriptions for animals also require specific information about the animal such as its type and weight
• Prescriptions must be written in indelible ink, typed, or computer-printed
• Prescriptions usually contain the patient's name, address, and age, especially for patients under 12
• Names and quantities of medications must be stated. Quantity, dosage form, and the name of the medication should be clearly labeled
• Prescriptions also include instructions for the patient
• Prescriptions must be dated and include the prescriber's profession, address, and signature.
• Prescriptions contain information about frequency, timing, and route of administration
• The dosage and the directions must be appropriate.
• Prescriptions are read for accuracy and completion
• If there are concerns about unusual dosages, consult the prescriber
• Storage requirements for medication should be checked
• Names and quantities of medicaments need to include: the product name, quantity to be dispensed, dosage form, and possible drug interactions
• Several abbreviations are used, such as "Rx" meaning "recipe" or "to take"
• Valid prescriptions must include the necessary information and must be appropriate for the patient and the medication
• Procedures for dispensing include: making or assembling the preparation, packing it in an appropriate container, labeling the container, endorsing the prescription, making appropriate records, handing over to the patient with appropriate advice, and correctly disposing of the prescription
• Properly label dispensed medicines with the full name of the product
• A repeat prescription is one that can be dispensed more than once
• A clear name-labeling method is used for proper identification purposes (NP - nomen proprium) for patients
• Patient's name, address, and age (especially if under 12)
• Title (Mr, Ms, Dr, etc.) also stated
• Initials or full forename
• Clear and unambiguous address
• Age for a child under 12
• Weight (mg/kg body weight) if necessary for the correct dosage
• If prescription is unclear, do not dispense until more information is attained
• If the prescription is for an animal, animal type and possibly weight is necessary
• The prescriber's profession should be stated
• A date for the prescription
• Time limit for validity of the prescription
• Procedures for dispensing include: reading the prescription, assessing dosage and directions, dispensing the medicine, counseling the patient, making appropriate records, and checking the validity & completeness of the prescription.
• The prescriber's profession must be stated in the prescription. The prescriber is responsible for accuracy of dosages.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn about definitions, features, and parts of prescriptions
• Students will learn to handle prescriptions
• The goal is for students to read, interpret, and identify valid prescriptions

FPPS Pharmacy Practice LAB

• Students will practice reading and handling prescriptions and dispensing medicines at the FPPS Pharmacy Practice Lab

Examples of Medical Appliances

• Hearing aids
• Spectacles
• Neck braces
• Teeth braces
• Contact lenses

Instructions for the Patient

• Quantity to be taken/used
• Frequency and timing of administration/application
• Route of administration/method of use
• Special instructions (such as dilution directions).

Prescriber's Profession, Address and Signature

• The prescription should specify if the prescriber is a doctor, dentist, or a veterinary practitioner

Date Prescription Was Written or Signed

• Prescribers must date prescriptions
• Prescriptions have a time limit for validity

Reading the Prescription

• Check if the prescription is legal, who it’s for (adult, child, elderly, animal), the name of the medication, instructions, and quantity to be dispensed

Find Out Information About the Medication

• What is the medication/appliance?
• How does it work?
• How is it prepared?
• What patient advice is needed?

Carry Out Procedures

• Make or assemble the preparation
• Pack into appropriate container
• Label the container
• Endorse the prescription
• Make appropriate records
• Hand over to the patient with appropriate advice
• Properly dispose of the prescription

Proper Name Labeling Requirement

• "NP" is an abbreviation for "nomen proprium" meaning "proper name"
• Dispensed medications should be labeled with the full name of the product
• If the prescriber wants to conceal the identity of the medicine, they must indicate this on the prescription

Repeat Prescription

• A prescription with instructions for multiple dispensing occasions

Procedures in Dispensing

• Read the prescription carefully, and check validity
• Check if the dosage/directions are appropriate
• Dispense the medicine
• Counsel the patient
• Make appropriate records

Read the Prescription Carefully

• Ensure all necessary information is present
• Be aware if prescriptions are hard to read
• Consult prescriber if there are uncertainties

Check that Dosage and Directions are Appropriate

• Check for unusually high or low doses
• Check for pharmaceutical/therapeutic incompatibilities
• Check for interactions between different medications

Dispense the Medicine

• Check calculations
• Check storage requirements
• Collect the container
• Write the label
• Prepare/select the medicine
• Pack medicine into the container
• Fix the label
• Check the finished preparation

Counsel the Patient

• Check patient's name and address
• Reinforce and/or provide additional information on the label
• Additional verbal advice or information may be necessary

Make the Appropriate Records

• Keep a record of Class A or B drugs dispensed (Dangerous Drug Record)

Dispensing

• To distribute or provide service or information to a number of people
• To prepare and give out medicines, dressings, or appliances, especially those covered by a prescription

Dispensing (detailed)

• The supply of a medicine, dressing, or medical appliance to a patient following a practitioner’s prescription, undertaken by or under the direct supervision of a pharmacist

Is this a Prescription?

• Evaluate if a given “prescription” is valid and appropriate for dispensing