POMs

Question 1

Define POM.

Answer 1

A medicinal product classified as POM by the MA, which may only be sold in retail with a Rx signed by an appropriate prescriber.

Question 2

List 3 exceptions to supply a POM without an Rx.

Answer 2

• Patient Group Direction PGD
• Emergency supply
• Patient Specific Directions (PSD) in hospitals

Question 3

Give 2 examples of when a POM may be sold as a P.

Answer 3

• Strength or form change e.g. hydrocortisone
• Indication e.g. naproxen 250mg for period pain

Question 4

When is administration of a POM to another person illegal?

Answer 4

illegal to administration parenterally to another person unless you are an appropriate practitioner or under the supervision of exception e.g. adrenaline of anaphylaxis.

Question 5

List the legal requirements for a POM Rx

Answer 5

• Patient’s full name and address
• Age/DOB if under 12 years
• Prescriber signature, address and particulars
• Appropriate date

Question 6

How long is an FP10 valid for?

Answer 6

Valid for 6 months or 28 days if CD Sch 2-4

Question 7

List the clinical requirements.

Answer 7

• Drug name, strength, form, dose, quantity

Question 8

What happens to dispensed Rx?

Answer 8

Send Rx to NHSBSA at the end of the month

Question 9

List the requirements to be included in a POM reg?

Answer 9

• Date of supply
• Patient name and address
• Drug name, strength, form, quantity
• Prescriber name and address
• Date on Rx
• Ref no. on reg, label and Rx

Question 10

How long should POM reg records be kept for?

Answer 10

2 years since the last entry

Question 11

List 3 circumstances in which records do not need to be made?

Answer 11

• Oral contraception
• Separate record in CD reg
• Wholesale dealing ( invoice retained for 2 years)

Question 12

Describe the POM limitations for certain prescriber.

Answer 12

Dentists (FP10D) can only Rx POMs listed in the DPF
Nurses (FP10P) are limited to POMs listed in the NPF

Question 13

Describe the extra legal requirement needed for an EPS Rx.

Answer 13

Sign Rx advanced electronic signature:
- Unique to prescriber for identification
- Changes can be detected easily
- Only controlled by the prescriber

Question 14

Why can faxed Rx not be dispensed?

Answer 14

They are not legally valid. Original Rx must be in possession to be dispensed.

Question 15

Can you dispense a forged Rx?

Answer 15

• If you knowingly dispense a forged Rx - illegal
• If you unknowingly dispense a forged Rx - not illegal

Question 16

What information isn’t legally needed on a Rx?

Answer 16

• Name of practitioner
• Drug name, strength, dose and quantity