Board codeine advice

THE Pharmacy Board of Australia has reminded pharmacists of their obligations in the event they receive prescriptions for large quantities of combination analgesics containing codeine, in light of this month’s up-scheduling of the products.

A Board communiqué issued yesterday noted consideration should be given to legal requirements relevant to pharmacy practice, training materials and other resources developed by the TGA (such as the Codeine Information Hub at tga.gov.au) and pharmacy organisations, practice standards and guidelines, as well as the Board’s code of conduct.

In particular “at all times the dispensing of a prescription or any other action taken by the pharmacist must be consistent with the safety of the patient,” the Board said, with the guideline outlining that “professional judgement must be exercised by the pharmacist in deciding appropriate action to take, and to consult the patient and the prescriber about any alternative options available to the patient regarding their medication needs”.

MEANWHILE the communiqué also details a new Guide for National Boards on applications to the Ministerial Council for approval of endorsement for scheduled medicines, including procedures around stakeholder engagement and key considerations for concept development.

The Guide is now available along with AHMAC Guidance document at www.ahpra.gov.au.