EMERGENCY SUPPLY

Question 1

When can a POM be supplied without a prescription

Answer 1

In an emergency or certain condition if requested by patient or appropriate prescriber

Question 2

Name the appropriate prescribers

Answer 2

Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Independent pharmacist, supplementary pharmacist, community nurse, independent nurse, supplementary nurse, optometrist independent prescriber, EEA or swiss doctor, EEA or swiss dentist

Question 3

When can a POM be supplied when requested by appropriate prescriber

Answer 3

• Reason of emergency where prescription cannot be created immediately
• Prescription is sent within 72 hours
• In accordance with directions of prescriber
• Cannot be schedule 1,2 or 3 exc. phenobarbital for epilepsy
• EEA or Swiss doctors/dentists cannot prescribe schedule 1,2 or 3 including phenobarbital
• POM register entry made within 24 hours

Question 4

Record entry when appropriate prescriber requested

Answer 4

• Date of supply
• Name and address of person who POM is requested for
• Name and address of prescriber making request
• Name, strength, form and quantity of medicine
• Date on prescription
• Date prescription was recieved

Question 5

Label for supply requested by appropriate prescriber

Answer 5

Normal labelling requirements

Question 6

When can you supply at the request of a patient

Answer 6

• Interview face to face to see if there is an immediate need where prescription cannot be obtained without delay, has proven it was previously prescribed by appropriate prescriber and that dose is appropriate

Question 7

When can a POM not be supplied at request of patient

Answer 7

• If listed in MEP
• If it is schedule 1,2 or 3 exc. phenobarbital for the treatment of epilepsy
• Even if previously prescribed by EEA or Swiss doctors/dentist cannot supply schedule 1,2 or 3 including phenobarbital
• If it does not have a UK marketing authorisation

Question 8

How much can you supply when requested by patient

Answer 8

Can give 30 days treatment, unless:

• CD schedule 3 (phenobarbital), schedule 4 and schedule 5 can give 5 days treatment
• Insulin ointment, cream or aerosol - supply smallest, original pack
• Oral contraceptive - supply full cycle
• Oral liquid antibiotics - smallest quantity which completes a full course

Question 9

Record entry when patient requested

Answer 9

• Reference
• Date of supply
• Name and address of patient
• Name, strength, quantity and form of medicine
• EMERGENCY SUPPLY
• Nature of emergency and why prescription cannot be obtained
• Cost
• POM entry must be made on the day or the next day

Question 10

Label of supply when requested by patient

Answer 10

Normal labelling requirements but must say EMERGENCY SUPPLY

Question 11

What to do if you decide not to supply

Answer 11

Make appropriate referral e.g. walk-in clinics