Yellow books for warfarin

[anit123]

What is the latest guidance concerning prescriptions for warfarin?

Last year I was lead to believe that yellow books must be checked each time and a note should be made on the pmr. I've continued to check yellow books where possible but I'm increasingly seeing that patients aren't used to this from their normal pharmacist and the staff seem a but miffed by me too! Am I right to assume this is only good practice?

[andrew paxton]

I don't think the advice has changed. This annoys me too. Some GPs have started doing their own INRs and don't think it is necessary to provide the patient with a yellow book, and if you refer them to the NPSA guidance, they have never heard of the NPSA. I have lost count of the times I have discovered that the patient has not had tests for years, and been met with indifference from surgery staff when I try to do something about it. One particular Practice Pharmacist told me that the surgery was not willing to pay for the service!

[anit123]

I don't think the advice has changed. This annoys me too. Some GPs have started doing their own INRs and don't think it is necessary to provide the patient with a yellow book, and if you refer them to the NPSA guidance, they have never heard of the NPSA. I have lost count of the times I have discovered that the patient has not had tests for years, and been met with indifference from surgery staff when I try to do something about it. One particular Practice Pharmacist told me that the surgery was not willing to pay for the service!

Sounds frustrating! What are the PCT's expectations from pharmacy? I'm sure there's still a poster for patients knocking about in a particular pharmacy, informing that patients must have their yellow book with them if they are collecting warfarin.

[sfp20]

The updated SOPs (Aug 2011) of Rx Hand In in Boots have highlighted the requirements for warfarin / methotrexate / lithium.

I think your habit is absolutely positive and essential...