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Pharmacy Regulator Issues Reminder on Paracetamol Supply in Pharmacies
Date: 18 March 2009 The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, has issued a reminder notice to pharmacies regarding new regulations governing the supply of medicines, especially those containing paracetamol, through pharmacies in Ireland.
The notice reminds pharmacists that the supply of medicines containing paracetamol, which is potentially a very harmful medicine when used inappropriately, must always be carried out by or under the supervision of a pharmacist.
New regulations covering the supply of all medicines in pharmacies in Ireland were introduced from the 1st of January this year, with the introduction of the registration of pharmacies for the first time, and the law on paracetamol supply specifically was updated last December. The regulations governing the supply of paracetamol specifically outline the maximum quantities of paracetamol that a pharmacist may supply and the need for the pharmacist to personally interview the patient if they request more than one pack of the medicine.
The new regulations governing the supply of all medicines in pharmacies now require that for all non-prescription controlled medicines (often called ‘over-the-counter’ medicines), a pharmacist must be satisfied that the patient is aware of the safe and proper use of the medicine and that it is not intended for misuse or abuse.
In addition, under these new regulations, for patients receiving prescription medicines, a pharmacist must ensure that the patient has sufficient information and advice for the safe and proper use and storage of their medicines, and must offer to discuss their medication with the patient.
The PSI, under new powers of inspection and enforcement recently introduced by the Minister for Health and Children under the Pharmacy Act 2007, is carrying out monitoring inspections of pharmacies in Ireland to ensure that these regulations governing the supply of medicines, including medicines containing paracetamol, are being complied with.
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