Leyla Hannbeck, head of pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association, discusses three of the 700 questions fielded by the NPA’s Pharmacy Services team every day

Question:

Does the good practice recommendation to only supply up to 30 days’ treatment of a controlled drug apply to Schedule 4 CDs, eg, diazepam?

Answer:

Yes. The national government health departments have issued strong recommendations that the maximum prescribed quantity of a Schedule 2, 3 or 4 CD should not exceed 30 days’ treatment. While is it not illegal to dispense a prescription for more than 30 days’ supply, Home Office guidance advises that pharmacists should be satisfied that there is an appropriate reason for such a supply.

Question:

What is MolluDab solution 5% for, and what advice should I give on its use?

Answer:

MolluDab is a topical solution containing potassium hydroxide 5%, and is indicated for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in patients over two years of age. A small quantity of the product is applied to the molluscum bumps twice daily until inflammation occurs, or for up to 14 days. Inflammation is classified as redness lasting for at least 12 hours or more. It should not be used for more than 14 days, even if inflammation has not occurred.

Question:

Can I amend a prescription for Concerta XL capsules 18mg and dispense tablets, as they are not available in capsule form?

Answer:

No. The prescription must be referred back to the prescriber for amendment. This is because the only errors that pharmacists can amend on prescriptions for Schedule 1, 2 and 3 CDs (except temazepam) are:

• Minor typographical errors or spelling mistakes
• Adding either the words or the figures to the total quantity if one or other has been omitted.

Before amending and supplying the CD, the pharmacist must be satisfied that, having exercised all due diligence, the prescription is genuine and that the drug is being supplied in accordance with the intention of the prescriber. They should make the amendment(s) in indelible ink and in the body of the prescription, not the endorsement section. Any amendment(s) should be attributable to the pharmacist and it is good practice to sign or initial their amendment(s) and add their GPhC or PSNI registration number.