Private script - how many repeats?

[philly]

I talked to a patient today who brought his private script for Viagra dated 26/01/09 with the wording "Repeat 12 times". He had it dispensed from our pharmacy on two occasions which were both within 6 months of 26/01/09. However, the script was given back to him each time. I consider it wrong - so I kept the script after having dispensed it today (I wasn't the pharmacist who dispensed it last year).
With regard to the above:
How many times can a private script be repeated? Does it have to stay at the same pharmacy? How long is it valid for?

[roper]

Repeat 12 times is valid. There is no max no of repeats in my opinion as long as it is clearly stated. Whilst th number 12 suggests monthly for a year, the only time limit is that the first dispensing must be within 6 months of the date on the script. The script is the patient's property and should be returned to them if requested until after the final installment (12th repeat, 13th dispensing) when it is retained as normal. Technically you were wrong to keep it if the patient wanted it back - but I share your concern that his general health circumstances could have changed considerably in the 14 months since the GP signed the script. I can see ethical justification for your actions but if he knows the rules he could be back to demand his prescription and I think I would give it.

[Chavet]

Really would like to know, if the prescription could be dispensed elsewhere. Personally I would suggest to the patient to return to the same pharmacy, so a clear verifiable audit trail is maintained but I'm unsure if this has any basis in law.

[philly]

What about the requirement to keep all private prescriptions for 2 years or so, as far as I remember?

[Fleegle]

I talked to a patient today who brought his private script for Viagra dated 26/01/09 with the wording "Repeat 12 times". He had it dispensed from our pharmacy on two occasions which were both within 6 months of 26/01/09. However, the script was given back to him each time. I consider it wrong - so I kept the script after having dispensed it today (I wasn't the pharmacist who dispensed it last year).

With regard to the above:
How many times can a private script be repeated? Does it have to stay at the same pharmacy? How long is it valid for?

As roper states below, there is no maximum number of repeats associated with a private script, so long as the prescribed number of repeats are dispensed within the appropriate timescale. Viagra scripts create a problem, as many are sold on. The number of repeats prescribed should therefore be strictly adhered to, within the allowed time limit as roper has already advised. Thereafter, legally, the script must be held by the pharmacy that dispensed the final repeat.

Repeat 12 times is valid. There is no max no of repeats in my opinion as long as it is clearly stated. Whilst th number 12 suggests monthly for a year, the only time limit is that the first dispensing must be within 6 months of the date on the script. The script is the patient's property and should be returned to them if requested until after the final installment (12th repeat, 13th dispensing) when it is retained as normal. Technically you were wrong to keep it if the patient wanted it back - but I share your concern that his general health circumstances could have changed considerably in the 14 months since the GP signed the script. I can see ethical justification for your actions but if he knows the rules he could be back to demand his prescription and I think I would give it.

Exactly right.

Really would like to know, if the prescription could be dispensed elsewhere. Personally I would suggest to the patient to return to the same pharmacy, so a clear verifiable audit trail is maintained but I'm unsure if this has any basis in law.

The prescription may be dispensed by any pharmacy of the patient's choice. That is their right. A 'verifiable audit trail' is dependent purely on every pharmacist who handles the prescription doing their job correctly.

What about the requirement to keep all private prescriptions for 2 years or so, as far as I remember?

The pharmacy which dispenses the final instalment is under obligation to retain the original script for two years. All previous dispensing records for one particular prescription will be held in the private prescription registers of the pharmacies which dispensed it, traceable by the dated stamps on the original.

Fleeg.