Classification of medicines - GSL, POM, P

Question 1

What is a GSL medicine?

Answer 1

Covered by marketing authorisation that the product is to be available on general sale

Question 2

Where can a GSL be sold/supplied from?

Answer 2

At registered pharmacy or anywhere where:

• Premises can be closed to exclude public
• Product made up for sale in container elsewhere + not opened since

Question 3

Can a GSL be sold in a pharmacy when the RP is absent?

Answer 3

Yes - RP must assume the role; however can be physically absent

Question 4

What are the exceptions when selling GSLs?

Answer 4

Supply during pandemic

Question 5

Can a GSL be sold from an aircraft and/or train?

Answer 5

• Sale must be made by operator or commander of train/aircraft
• Must be stored in part of aircraft/train which can be closed to exclude public
• Product made up for sale in container elsewhere + not opened since

Question 6

Can a GSL be sold from a vending machine?

Answer 6

Yes, provided it’s located where they can close to exclude the public

Question 7

What are examples of products that are NOT GSL?

Answer 7

• Products containing greater than specified max dose of Vit A + D
• Eye ointments
• Anthelmintics
• Parenteral admin
• Enemas
• For irrigation of wounds, bladder, vagina and rectum

Question 8

What are the conditions needed to sell a P medicine?

Answer 8

• Premises is a registered pharmacy
• Pharmacist or acting under supervision of pharmacist

Question 9

Define ‘acting under supervision’

Answer 9

Pharmacist is aware of sale + position to intervene

Question 10

Can P medicines be located anywhere in the pharmacy?

Answer 10

Good practice that it shouldn’t be placed on self selection shelves unless they are empty boxes