script legality

[Boogaloo]

hey, can anyone tell me if a script is still legally valid if it does not state either a quantity or the number of days treatment required. or does that make it invalid?
Also does the GMC number have to be written on the script (not private) to be legally valid?
Thanks, B

[johnep]

Are we talking about a script NHS or Private?. For a GSL, P, POM or CD?
johnep

[Boogaloo]

oh erm silly me forgot to explain properly,

the example i have shows an NHS script for an eleven year old for sodium valproate syrup 200mg/5ml - 100mg tds
(no quantity or days treatment filled in)

also
it is signed by a "dr" but there is no gmc number but is the fact that it says "Dr" on there enough for it to be legal?

Thanks for your help

[johnep]

If GP NHS then script would have Drs NHS nbr by his address. This would be good enough, however the wording of the script would make me suspect that this is hospital originated where nbr of days treatment normally given. If not, I would query, but if pushed give one months supply.

Children's BNF states max dose for child under 12 is 15mg/kg. Weight needs to be checked, also dose usually given bd not td.

The whole thing is a can of worms, which is precisely why they have given to you.

In the meantime always ask a question and give full background so we can answer properly.
johnep

[bobbin]

Hey, can anyone tell me if a script is still legally valid if it does not state either a quantity or the number of days treatment required, or does that make it invalid?

A quantity or duration of treatment is not a legal requirement, except for CDs of course.

To quote the BNF.............

'If a pharmacist receives an incomplete prescription for a systemically administered preparation and considers it would not be appropriate for the patient to return to the doctor, the following procedures will apply:

1. An attempt must always be made to contact the prescriber to ascertain the intention.

2. If the attempt is successful the pharmacist must, where practicable, subsequently arrange for details of quantity, strength where applicable, and dosage to be inserted by the prescriber on the incomplete form.

3. Where, although the prescriber has been contacted, it has not proved possible to obtain the written intention regarding an incomplete prescription, the pharmacist may endorse the form ‘p.c.’ (prescriber contacted) and add details of the quantity and strength where applicable of the preparation supplied, and of the dose indicated. The endorsement should be initialled and dated by the pharmacist.

4. Where the prescriber cannot be contacted and the pharmacist has sufficient information to make a professional judgement the preparation may be dispensed. If the quantity is missing the pharmacist may supply sufficient to complete up to 5 days’ treatment; except that where a combination pack (i.e. a proprietary pack containing more than one medicinal product) or oral contraceptive is prescribed by name only, the smallest pack shall be dispensed. In all cases the prescription must be endorsed ‘p.n.c.’ (prescriber not contacted), the quantity, the dose, and the strength (where applicable) of the preparation supplied must be indicated, and the endorsement must be initialled and dated.

5. If the pharmacist has any doubt about exercising discretion, an incomplete prescription must be referred back to the prescriber.'

The above 'rules' apply to tablets, capsules and other oral or systemic products but do not apply to topical preparations eg. tubes of cream, eye/ear drops etc. - in which case the smallest available pack size should be supplied if no quantity is stated. If no quantity is stated for an inhaler or nasal spray, only one should be supplied.

If no quantity is stated for a dressing, only one single dressing can be supplied - NOT one box. The PC endorsement cannot be used for dressings.............and so if more than one dressing is required the script will have to be returned to the prescriber.

Bobbin

[Boogaloo]

wow! Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post, very helpful!

[bobbin]

wow! Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post, very helpful!

You're welcome.

Bobbin

[johnep]

Sorry, I was thinking of eye drops. Five days supply is correct not one month.
johnep