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Leyla Hannbeck, head of pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association, discusses three topical queries

Question

Do prescriptions for tramadol capsules 50mg have to include the quantity in words and figures?

Answer 

Tramadol became a Schedule 3 controlled drug on June 10, and is now subject to CD prescription writing requirements. These include that the total quantity must be written in words and figures. However, a pharmacist may supply a Schedule 1, 2 or 3 CD, except temazepam, if the total quantity is specified in either words or figures, but not both. The missing quantity details may be added by the pharmacist, providing that they:

• Annotate the amendment so that it is attributable to them, ie, include their name, GPhC number, date and signature. Pharmacists can also amend minor spelling mistakes.
• Have exercised all due diligence, and are satisfied that the prescription is genuine
• Are satisfied that the drug is being supplied in accordance with the intention of the prescriber
• Amend the prescription indelibly, by adding the total quantity in words or figures (whichever is missing)
• Annotate the amendment so that it is attributable to them, ie, include their name, GPhC number, date and signature.

Pharmacists can also amend minor spelling mistakes.

Question

Can I sell Hux D3 capsules 20,000iu or Pro D3 capsules 20,000iu over-the-counter?

Answer

Yes. Hux D3 capsules 20,000iu and Pro D3 capsules 20,000iu are listed as supplements and can be sold OTC. However, it is the pharmacist's professional decision after taking into account clinical appropriateness and need. If the product is unsuitable, referral to a prescriber may be considered. The pharmacist should consider other factors, eg, side-effects with current medicines, dose, administration, length of treatment, and suitability for people with dietary requirements (halal, vegetarian and patients with allergies).

Question

Can a Sharpsguard 1 litre be dispensed against an NHS prescription for Sharpsafe 1 litre?

Answer

No. Sharpsafe 1 litre and Sharpsguard 1 litre are both currently listed in Part IXA of the
England and Wales Drug Tariff June 2014, in Part III of the Northern Ireland DT June 2014 and in Part 3 of the Scottish DT June 2014, and so would be passed for payment on NHS prescriptions. But, as they are different brands, the specific brand requested on the prescription should be supplied.

If there are supply issues with the specific product requested on the prescription, the pharmacist should contact the prescriber and request if they can either amend the prescription or issue a new one for the alternative product.