PDL issues steroid update

PHARMACISTS should have a “contemporary knowledge of the drugs that are subject to abuse or misuse,” according to Pharmaceutical Defence Limited, which has released a bulletin providing details of off-label use of steroids and hormone therapies.

PDL said many individuals source anabolic steroids from coaches, friends, teammates or gym employees - as well as health workers such as doctors, veterinarians or pharmacists.

Injectable steroids subject to abuse include Sustanon, Primoteson and Reandron, but PDL also noted the potential for diversion of tamoxifen and armidex/anastrozole, to prevent gynaecomastia associated with the use of anabolic steroids.

Other potential medications in this class include pregnyl/ human chronic gonadotrophin (to stimulate the testes when withdrawing from exogenous androgens) and clomid/clomifene (to raise testosterone levels).

Pharmacists presented with prescriptions for drugs which are susceptible to misuse or abuse are being told to treat such requests “circumspectly,” because of manipulative behaviour by individuals seeking these drugs for inappropriate purposes.

MEANWHILE PDL’s latest update also highlights several common issues with the provision of medicines via staged supply.

“While the benefits are apparent for the patient, prescribers and pharmacies, there are also challenges for pharmacists responsible for managing the supply process,” PDL noted.

Themes included requests for early supply, unclear or inconsistent instructions from the prescriber, patient financial difficulties and allegations of mismanagement of remaining stock on hand.

PDL urged that patients be provided with a very clear understanding of prescribers’ directions, including the supply interval, adding that “it should be agreed that it’s the patient’s responsibility to contact the prescriber and seek approval for any change to the prescription”.

More details available by contacting PDL on 1300 854 838.