Prescription Writing Flashcards

1
Q

Why are substances scheduled?

A

Substances are scheduled to regulate their use based on their potential for abuse, dependence, safety, and clinical indication. This classification ensures appropriate access and control over medications, balancing availability for therapeutic use and reducing the risk of misuse.

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2
Q

What is Schedule 0?

A

Schedule 0 includes substances that are not subject to control under the scheduling system. These substances are considered safe and have low potential for abuse and dependence, making them available over the counter without restrictions.

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3
Q

What is Schedule 1?

A

Schedule 1 substances are available over the counter (OTC) and have a low potential for abuse and dependence. They are considered safe for use without a prescription under specified conditions.

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4
Q

What is Schedule 2?

A

Schedule 2 substances require a pharmacist’s advice and supervision for dispensing. These medications have a low to moderate potential for abuse and dependence and are available without a prescription but with some restrictions.

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5
Q

What is Schedule 3?

A

Schedule 3 substances require a prescription from a medical practitioner and have a moderate to high potential for abuse and dependence. They are strictly regulated to ensure proper medical use.

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6
Q

What is Schedule 4?

A

Schedule 4 substances are prescription-only medications with a high potential for abuse and dependence. These controlled substances are closely monitored to prevent misuse and ensure they are used for legitimate medical purposes.

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7
Q

What is Schedule 5?

A

Schedule 5 substances have a high potential for abuse and dependence and include medications that require strict regulation and control. They are available only with a prescription and have additional monitoring requirements to prevent misuse.

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8
Q

What is Schedule 6?

A

Schedule 6 substances have a very high potential for abuse and dependence and are highly restricted. These medications are available only with a special prescription and have stringent control measures to minimize the risk of misuse.

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9
Q

What is Schedule 7?

A

Schedule 7 substances are considered to have an extremely high potential for abuse and dependence. These medications are rarely used and are subject to the highest level of control, often restricted to specific medical conditions and under strict regulatory oversight.

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10
Q

Under what condition is possessing and/or selling Schedule 7 substances permitted?

A

Possessing and/or selling Schedule 7 substances is permitted only if issued a permit by the Director General.

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11
Q

What is an example of a Schedule 7 substance that requires a permit for possession or sale?

A

Amphetamines
Nabilone
Phencyclidine (PCP)

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12
Q

How long is the permit valid for the possession and/or sale of Schedule 7 substances?

A

The permit for the possession and/or sale of Schedule 7 substances is valid for 12 calendar months.

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13
Q

Who may possess Schedule 0-2 substances?

A

Any person may possess Schedule 0-2 substances for medicinal use.

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14
Q

Who may possess Schedule 3-7 substances?

A

Any person may possess Schedule 3-7 substances if in possession of a valid prescription.

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15
Q

Who, aside from the general public, is authorized to possess any medicine for the purpose of administration?

A

A medical practitioner is authorized to possess any medicine for the purpose of administering it in accordance with their scope of practice.

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16
Q

Who must be licensed and registered to possess medicines for dispensing purposes?

A

A person must be licensed and registered as a dispenser to possess medicines for dispensing purposes.

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17
Q

How much of Schedule 3-5 medicines can a person entering South Africa bring for personal use?

A

A person entering South Africa can bring up to 6 months of Schedule 3-5 medicines for personal use with a valid prescription.

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18
Q

How much of Schedule 6 medicines can a person entering South Africa bring for personal use?

A

A person entering South Africa can bring up to 30 days supply of Schedule 6 medicines for personal use with a valid prescription.

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19
Q

What is required for a person entering South Africa to bring Schedule 3-6 medicines for personal use?

A

A valid prescription is required for a person entering South Africa to bring Schedule 3-6 medicines for personal use.

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20
Q

What determines the quantity of medicines a person leaving South Africa can take with them?

A

The quantity of medicines a person leaving South Africa can take with them depends on the regulations of the country they are traveling to.

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21
Q

What is the maximum amount of medicines a person can take with them when leaving South Africa, according to a valid prescription?

A

The maximum amount of medicines a person can take with them when leaving South Africa, according to a valid prescription, is up to 6 months supply

22
Q

What must a person have to take medicines out of South Africa?

A

A person must have a valid prescription to take medicines out of South Africa.

23
Q

For which schedules are verbal prescriptions allowed in non-emergency situations?

A

Verbal prescriptions are allowed for Schedule 2-4 substances in non-emergency situations.

24
Q

What is the maximum treatment period allowed for verbal prescriptions of Schedule 2-4 substances in non-emergency situations?

A

The maximum treatment period allowed is 7 days.

25
Q

What must follow a verbal prescription for Schedule 2-4 substances within 7 days?

A

A written prescription must follow within 7 days.

26
Q

For which schedules are verbal prescriptions allowed in emergency situations?

A

Verbal prescriptions are allowed for Schedule 5-6 substances in emergency situations.

27
Q

What is the maximum supply quantity for Schedule 5-6 substances in emergency situations?

A

The maximum supply quantity is for continuous use for up to 48 hours.

28
Q

Who can issue a verbal instruction for Schedule 5-6 substances in an emergency?

A

A prescriber can issue a verbal instruction for Schedule 5-6 substances in an emergency.

29
Q

What must a prescriber do within 72 hours after giving a verbal prescription for Schedule 5-6 substances in an emergency?

A

The prescriber must supply a written prescription within 72 hours.

30
Q

For which schedules must the number of repeats be indicated on the prescription?

A

The number of repeats must be indicated on the prescription for Schedule 2-5 substances.

31
Q

What is the maximum duration for which Schedule 2-5 prescriptions can be repeated?

A

The maximum duration for which Schedule 2-5 prescriptions can be repeated is 6 months.

32
Q

What additional detail must be specified for Schedule 5 prescriptions regarding repeats?

A

For Schedule 5 prescriptions, the repeat intervals must also be specified.

33
Q

Are repeats allowed for Schedule 6 prescriptions?

A

No, repeats are not allowed for Schedule 6 prescriptions. A new prescription is required every time.

34
Q

What is the maximum supply quantity for Schedule 6 substances?

A

The maximum supply quantity for Schedule 6 substances is 30 days.

35
Q

What is the maximum prescription duration for anxiolytics, tranquilisers, and antidepressants?

A

The maximum prescription duration for anxiolytics, tranquilisers, and antidepressants is 6 months.

36
Q

Under what condition can a prescriber continue to issue prescriptions for anxiolytics, tranquilisers, and antidepressants beyond 6 months?

A

A prescriber may continue to issue prescriptions beyond 6 months if they have a record of consulting with a registered psychiatrist.

37
Q

What is the maximum prescription duration for Schedule 5 analgesics?

A

The maximum prescription duration for Schedule 5 analgesics is 6 months.

38
Q

Under what condition can a prescriber continue to issue prescriptions for Schedule 5 analgesics beyond 6 months?

A

A prescriber may continue to issue prescriptions beyond 6 months if they have a record of consulting another medical practitioner.

39
Q

What is the new scheduling for Fexofenadine?

A

Fexofenadine is now Schedule 1.

40
Q

Under what condition is Budesonide classified as Schedule 2?

A

Budesonide is now Schedule 2 when intended for the prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 12 years and older

41
Q

When is Fusidic acid classified as Schedule 2?

A

Fusidic acid is now Schedule 2 when intended for topical application.

42
Q

What is the new scheduling for Cannabidiol?

A

Cannabidiol is now Schedule 4, with no mention of “when intended for therapeutic purposes” and without cross-reference to Schedule 7.

43
Q

What is the new scheduling for THC when used for therapeutic purposes?

A

THC is now Schedule 6 for therapeutic purposes.

44
Q

How is Carfentanil classified in terms of scheduling?

A

Carfentanil is Schedule 6 when intended for veterinary use; otherwise, it is Schedule 7.

45
Q

What scheduling applies to a number of fentanyl analogues?

A

A number of fentanyl analogues are listed in Schedule 7.

46
Q

What is the new scheduling and quantity restriction for oral sumatriptan?

A

Oral sumatriptan <50mg is now Schedule 7, with a maximum of 2 per pack for acute migraine if previously prescribed.

47
Q

Under what condition is Albendazole classified as Schedule 2?

A

Albendazole is now Schedule 2 when used as a single dose for intestinal parasites.

48
Q

What is a prescription?

A

A prescription is an order or set of instructions, either written or transmitted electronically/verbally, by an authorized prescriber to a dispenser, for the preparation and use of a medicine(s) by a specified patient (SAMF, 2016).

49
Q

How long is a prescription valid before it expires?

A

A prescription expires after 30 days and may no longer be dispensed.

50
Q

What must be on a prescription

A
  1. Name, qualifications, health council reg no. and address of prescriber
  2. Date of issue
  3. Name of patient and ID number
  4. Age and sex of patient (Weight, height )
  5. Approved/ propreitary name of medicine
  6. Dosage form, strength and quantity
  7. Dosage and frequecny of administration- complete instructions
  8. Number of repeats, if applicable
  9. Diagnosis and ICD 10 code- patient consent
  10. Prescriber’s signature (handwritten or advanced electronic signature)
51
Q

Prescription writing tips

A
  • Indelible ink – no pencils etc. or printed
  • Clear handwriting
  • Directions in plain English / isiXhosa / Afrikaans etc
  • Latin may result in confusion
  • qh could be quaque hora (hourly) or quarta hora (4 hourly)
  • od could be omni die (daily) or oculo dextro (right eye)
  • Avoid unnecessary decimal points
    5 mg not 5.0 mg
  • For quantitites less than 1 g, rather use mg
    500 mg not 0.5 g
  • For micrograms use full word or mcg, not µg
  • Precede decimal by a zero if a decimal is necessary
    0.5 ml rather than .5 ml
  • Avoid using l for litre (can be confused with 1)
    Rather use L or mL
  • Write the word “units” in full rather than U
  • Avoid vague directions
  • Write instructions for repeats clearly
  • Generic substitution