Pharmacy rules

Re: Pharmacy rules

jane Lewis — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 23:10:30 GMT

Hi I agree with above all our small dose tramadol comes from summit. Not sure capsules should really be split now it's a sch 4 drug and u never know if the dose is exact enough. We no longer split tablets for the same reason. We have a dispensary/lab nurse who puts up meds though reception staff will help if busy (they don't draw up liquids though). We double initial labels so each med goes out with two people having checked it (ideally at least 1 nurse/vet) - we have had a lot less mistakes since implementing this! We ask for 24hrs for repeat orders not that everyone sticks to it! It's interesting to see how other places work :D thank you!

Re: Pharmacy rules

Dove — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 23:50:50 GMT

Thanks, that's handy to know about smaller dose sizes, I always wonder how much of the correct dose they are getting.

We have a prescription answer machine line, the nurse records the message in a book and gets approval from the vet, they are then dispensed. We're trying to ensure all labels are initialled by the dispenser. We also have receptionists that will get medication ready from consult appointments, I'm not sure of the legal aspects but would like to see vns only getting medication.

Re: Pharmacy rules

Sal the 1st — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 23:36:14 GMT

I think you can get lower dose tramadol through summit along with quite a few other drugs in more useful sizes ie mirtazepine and amlodapine we also get cisapride and the methimazol ointment through them. Yes I have split capsules down and filled empty gelatine capsules before - but have always been very careful ie mask glasses gloves etc and only if there was no other alternative.

We request a minimum 24hrs notice for repeats or for written prescriptions but have to say we still get people coming in wanting repeats there and then. Only tonight we had somebody come in for 3 bottles of insulin - hadn't pre ordered and wasnt that happy we could only supply them with one.

Long term patients , as long as they are doing ok and at vets discretion can have repeats for 6 months before being seen again - obviously if they aren't doing well or have any new symptoms they will be seen before that. All repeats are vet authorised prior to dispensing. What usually happens is that the label is printed when the client orders and put in a box. The vet goes through the box and initials the labels that they are happy to repeat in which case the drugs can be dispensed, or if not a phone call will be made to client asking them to come in.

We do charge a prescription fee for written scripts (which is currently less than an NHS script!)