POM Part 2

Question 1

what must the pharmacist consider before making a supply for a self-prescribed or prescription for close family/friend?

Answer 1

1. generally poor practice to self - prescribe or to prescribe for whom there is a close personal relationship
2. The professional judgement of the prescriber may be impaired or influenced by the person they are prescribing for
3. It may not be possible for a prescriber to conduct a
   proper clinical assessment on themselves or on close
   friends or family
4. The regulatory body GMC advises to avoid prescribing in these cases

Question 2

what is isotretinoin used for? what caution in relation to pregnancy?

Answer 2

Used orally to treat severe acne.

It has a high risk of causing severe and serious foetal malformations and can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion

Question 3

What is the Pregnancy Prevention Programme?

Answer 3

It protects female patients at risk of pregnancy from becoming pregnant whilst using oral isotretinoin, and for at least one month after stopping oral isotretinoin.

The programme is a combination of education for healthcare professionals and patients, therapy management (inc. pregnancy testing) and distribution control.

Question 4

What are the special restrictions for Isotreitinoin prescription?

Answer 4

1. Valid only for 7 days

2. Max quantity is 30 days supply.

Question 5

What is valproate used for and whats the caution in females?

Answer 5

For epilepsy, bipolar disorder and for preventing migraine (unlicensed)

Can seriously harm unborn child when taken during pregnancy

Question 6

What should the pharmacist do in terms of valproate?

Answer 6

1. Check female patients of child-bearing age who are
   prescribed valproate have had a discussion with their
   doctor about the risks
2. Patient alert cards should be issued to patients
   unless the patient already has one
3. Use the information on the card to support discussions with the patient, encourage the patient to read the card and enter their details
4. Women of child-bearing age who are using
   valproate medicines should be advised on the use
   of effective contraception
5. Those planning pregnancy should be advised to schedule an appointment with their prescriber to review
   treatment and to continue with contraception and
   valproate treatment in the meantime
6. If there is an unplanned pregnancy whilst a patient is
   taking valproate medicines advise the patient NOT
   to stop their treatment and to arrange to see their
   prescriber urgently to review treatment
7. Report any suspected side effects to valproate
   medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme