Emergency Supply Flashcards
What is an “Emergency Supply” in pharmacy?
- when a pharmacist supplies a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) without a prescription in an emergency
- at the request of a patient or prescriber.
What are the criteria for an “Emergency Supply” at the request of a prescriber?
- Relevant prescriber
- Emergency where prescription can’t be provided immediately
- Prescription must be provided within 72 hours
- Directions by the prescriber must be followed
- Not applicable for Controlled Drugs (CDs) 1,2,3 except phenobarbital (epilepsy)
When should an entry be made in the POM register for an emergency supply?
- An entry must be made in the POM register on the day of the supply or, if impractical, on the following day
What should be included in the POM register when an emergency supply is made at the request of a prescriber?
- Date the POM was supplied
- Name (including strength and form where appropriate) and quantity of the medicine supplied
- Name and address of the prescriber requesting the emergency supply
- Name and address of the patient for whom the POM was required
- Date on the prescription (added when the prescription is received)
- Date on which the prescription is received (added when received in the pharmacy)
What are the criteria for an “Emergency Supply” at the request of a patient ?
- Interview patient
- Immediate need for POM and not practical to obtain a prescription without undue delay
- POM requested must previously have been used as a treatment and prescribed by a UK, EEA of Swiss health professional
- Medicine must also have a UK MA if requested by a patient of an EEA or Swiss HCP
- Pharmacist must be satisfied of knowing the dosage required
– Not for SCh 1, 2 or 3 CDs, except phenobarbital
What Controlled Drugs can be supplied in an “Emergency Supply” at the request of a patient?
- Controlled Drugs (CDs) are not allowed except for phenobarbital, which can be supplied to treat epilepsy in patients of UK-registered prescribers
What is the maximum treatment duration for SCh 4 or 5 Controlled Drugs (CDs) in an emergency supply?
- maximum treatment duration for SCh 4 or 5 Controlled Drugs (CDs) is 5 days.
What is the maximum treatment duration for a POM in an emergency supply?
- maximum treatment duration for a POM in an emergency supply is 30 days, though it may be appropriate to supply less.
How should insulin, ointment, cream, or inhalers be supplied in an emergency?
- supplied in the smallest pack available
How should oral contraceptives and antibiotics be supplied in an emergency?
- Oral contraceptives should be supplied for a full treatment cycle.
- Antibiotics should be supplied in the smallest quantity required for the full treatment.
What should be included in the POM register when an emergency supply is made at the request of a patient?
- Date the POM was supplied
- Name (including strength and form where appropriate) and quantity of the medicine supplied
- Name and address of the patient for whom the POM was supplied
- Information on the nature of the emergency, such as why the patient needs the POM and why a prescription cannot be obtained
What should be added to the dispensing label for an emergency supply at the request of a patient?
- In addition to standard labelling requirements, the words “Emergency supply” need to be added to the dispensing label
What clinical factors should a pharmacist consider when providing an emergency supply?
- should consider the clinical need
- duration without medicine
- potential for abuse (if they’re making multiple requests)
- whether the emergency supply is appropriate.
What is the Pharmacy First Service in England related to emergency supplies?
- NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), which includes referrals for emergency supplies.
Is a fee required for an emergency supply?
A fee is not a legal requirement, but:
- If a prescription will follow (e.g., at the request of a prescriber), it will be reimbursed.
- If the supply is at the request of a patient, the pharmacy may need to be reimbursed, and the patient may be asked to pay a fee.
