Frequent Poster
Hi,
I have a quick question: when you receive a prescription, and there is a problem with the strength, quantity or dose (either missing or incorrect), when do you contact the doctor, and how do you contact them; i.e. when do I need to contact face-to-face (send prescription back to them), or just phone them and endorse it yourself.
Could you please tell me what to do for each strength, quantity and dose.
Thanks in advance, all the info. I have found has been very conflicting.
Tai Chi Enhanced Member
First off, what is important is that what you dispense matches the doctor's intention. But, don't guess, be certain.
So, has the patient had the medication before? Have they an old container of it? Is it on the PMR? I don't take the patient's word for anything that might make a difference. Tabs vs caps doesn't matter, but strength is obviously crucial. Many scripts don't have a dose, but the patient can often tell you what they have been taking, and if it makes sense that wouldn't be an issue for me - although I wouldn't put it on the label if it wasn't on the prescription.
Phoning the doctor is often a last resort, as it will have to be when the doc can talk on the phone, and that probably won't be when the patient is presenting the script. Obviously if the script was computer generated these questions wouldn't arise, and the receptionists won't know.
Fortunately, this is a VERY rare occurrence nowadays. The main danger is that the pharmacist believes that there is only one strength of a drug, dispenses that, and in fact there are two or three.
As to endorsing the script, I think you can add all of it yourself. You just can't alter what's already written.
....just my opinion
Simply Ze Best!
The question might be quick, but the answer isn't, Im afraid.Originally Posted by little one
It depends on too many variables: is it a Controlled drug? is it a hand-written script, or a computer-generated repeat? have you got patient's history on your PMR? Has the script been issued today, or has the patient been carrying it around for 2 weeks before suddenly deciding he/she needed the meds? Is the prescriber contactable, or is it friday evening, 6.20pm, before a Bank Holiday? is it for a child or an adult? what might be the consequences to the patient's health/wellbeing if supply was delayed by 24 hours? etc...etc...
Ze genuine Article, present & perfect!
Newly registered in 1981
Whatever decision you make always explain the reasoning and not just tell them the decision.
Where am I?; In the Pharmacy.
Who are you?; The new Number 2.
Who is number 1?; You are number 6.
What do you want?;..................
Frequent Poster
Will be a stupid question but how do people determine what interactions etc are needing to be looked at/changed by the doctor? Because so often there are the 3* interactions that constantly come up with patients on 3+ meds, and say they've not had them from your pharmacy before, apart from asking them if they've had it before.. experience and own judgement i suppose?
Also one thing that came up lots today, different topical steroids all being prescribed "apply three times a day"- would anyone query this?
Frequent Poster
I believe you're restricted to only altering strength or quantity, and you must endorse "PC", the doctor you contacted, the date and your initials and reg number. Anything else different requires a new script. If you cannot contact a doctor but you're happy to alter a detail on the prescription on your own, I believe you must endorse "PNC" and you are legally bound to only supply 5 days supply of an internal drug. I'm not 100%, but I think "PNC" cannot be used with anything external.
I really need to get out that fresh white new MEP and confirm this for myself though!
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