Emergency Supply

Question 1

What is an emergency supply?

Answer 1

When a pharmacist working in a registered pharmacy can supply POMs to a patient without a rx on request of the prescriber or patient

Question 2

Who are ‘relevant prescribers’ that can request an emergency supply?

Answer 2

1. Doctor
2. Dentist
3. Supplementary prescriber
4. NIP
5. PIP
6. Community practitioner nurse prescriber
7. Physio IP
8. Therapeutic radiographer IP
9. Optometrist IP
10. Paramedic IP
11. EEA or Swiss HCP
12. Podiatrist IP

Question 3

What are the conditions for an ES at the request of the prescriber?

Answer 3

1. Pharmacist satisfied request is from one of the relevant prescribers
2. Pharmacist is satisfied rx can’t be provided immediately due to an emergency
3. Prescriber agrees to provide rx within 72 hours
4. Med supplied in accordance with directions given by prescriber
5. No schedule 1, 2 or 3 CDs except phenobarbital for epilepsy
6. Entry made into POM register day of or next day
7. Labelled as usual

Question 4

What are the conditions for an ES at the request of a patient?

Answer 4

1. Pharmacist must interview the patient
2. Pharmacist satisfied that there is an immediate need for the POM and that it isn’t possible for the patient to obtain an rx without undue delay
3. The POM requested must have previously been used as treatment and rx by a UK, EEA or Swiss HCP
4. Pharmacist satisfied knowing the dose that the patient needs to take
5. Not CDs unless phenobarbital
6. No more than 5 days supply for schedule 4/5 and no more than 30 days for any other POM
   
   • if POM is an insulin, ointment, cream
     or inhaler smallest pack should be
     given
   • if oral contraceptive - full treatment
     cycle
   • abx in liquid form - smallest quantity
     to provide a full course
7. Entry made into the POM register day of or after
8. Label as usual