PDL warns on S8 dispensing

PHARMACEUTICAL Defence Limited has noted a recent AHPRA inves ga on of a pharmacist proprietor, alleging that the pharmacy failed to appropriately control the dispensing of Endone to an employee of an aged care facility.

Pharmacists at the pharmacy had dispensed the drug following receipt of medica on charts from the facility, which comprised a cover page detailing the requested medica on and the corresponding drug chart.

In the event that the pharmacy could not locate a current script on file, the medica on was nevertheless supplied to a staff member of the facility in the interests of con nuity of supply.

Although the pharmacy owner had not personally dispensed the drug, he was cau oned and had a one‐off audit condi on imposed.

AHPRA’s report noted that a pharmacy proprietor “must maintain an awareness of the manner in which the pharmacy business is being conducted, and where necessary intervene to ensure laws, standards and guidelines are adhered to”.

AHPRA also inves gated at least three of the pharmacists involved in the dispensing of the drug, with all three cau oned and reminded of their dispensing obliga ons.

PDL said the case sent a clear message that the Board expected proprietor pharmacists to ensure that staff under their control were lawfully dispensing medica ons.

It was also highlighted that the supply of drugs under “owing prescrip ons” is not supported by legisla on.

MEANWHILE PDL has also warned of a poten al trap in dispensing the Kalma brand of alprazolam 0.5mg, with a high chance of making a selec on error between the 10s and 50s versions (pictured) due to iden cal label graphics and a red cap.