POM

Question 1

Why might a medicine be a POM?

Answer 1

• medicine supervision required to prevent damage
• frequently misused
• a new active substance
• parenteral

Question 2

UK registered POM prescribers

Answer 2

• doctors
• dentists- DPF
• pharmacist IP
• Nurse IP
• supplementary prescriber

Question 3

What are independent prescribers responsible for?

Answer 3

• assessment of patients with diagnosed / undiagnosed conditions + clinical management- prescribing
• may specialise in a field

Question 4

Restricted/ limited POM prescribers

Answer 4

• optometrists IP
• paramedic IP
• physiotherapist IP
• podiatrist IP
• ther radiographer IP
• CPN- NPF

Question 5

Restrictions on IP optometrists?

Answer 5

Any POM- but not CD & parenterals

Question 6

Restrictions on IP paramedics Rx?

Answer 6

• Any POM

- No CD other than- codeine, fentanyl, mild morphine

Question 7

Restrictions on IP physiotherapist Rx?

Answer 7

• Any POM
• No CD other than- dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, lorazepam, oxycodone, temazepam- all oral
• morphone- o/ inj

Question 8

Restrictions on IP podiatrists Rx?

Answer 8

• Any POM

- No CD other than-diazepam, dihydrocodeine, lorazepam, temazepam- all oral

Question 9

Restrictions on IP therapeutic radiographer Rx?

Answer 9

• Any POM

- No CD other than- codeine, fentanyl, azolam, morphine, oxycodone, temazepam, tramadol

Question 10

Restrictions on CPN Rx?

Answer 10

• Can only prescribe what’s in the NPF

Question 11

What is a supplementary prescriber?

Answer 11

partnership between an IP ( doctor or dentist) to implement a patient agreed management plan
- can have GSL, P, POM, CD, parenterals, off label

Question 12

What are the EEA health professionals?

Answer 12

A person in European state who is a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife, pharmacist- register to practice in EEA countries & Switzerland- valid in UK

Question 13

What are the two types of Rx?

Answer 13

Health- NHS

Private- patient pays cost of drug & dispensing fee

Question 14

What must a valid Rx contain? (7)

Answer 14

1. signed in INK so indelible- electronic sign accepted
2. particulars of Rx-ers
3. address of Rx-er
4. Date
5. Patient name
6. patient address
7. Age if under 12

Question 15

What does the date on the Rx represent?

Answer 15

• usually the Rx-er sing the Rx

- can be a future date- n=do not dispense before that date

Question 16

How long is a Rx valid for?

Answer 16

6 months from the date on the Rx

Question 17

How long is Rx for CD schedule 2, 3, 4 drugs valid for?

Answer 17

28 days from the date on the Rx

Question 18

Are repeat Rx available non NHS?

Answer 18

No, just private Rx

Question 19

When must they be dispensed for the first time?

Answer 19

within the 6 month period from the date on the Rx

Question 20

How many times should you dispense if not specified?

Answer 20

once within 6 months then only once more- 2 times in total

Question 21

How are contraceptive repeat Rx dealt with?

Answer 21

if no of repeats not specified- repeat 5 times before the end of 6 months- 6 in total

Question 22

How long does a repeat Rx last?

Answer 22

• If dispensed once within the 6 month period- lasts forever!

Question 23

Do CDs allow repeat Rx?

Answer 23

schedule 4 CD allows repeat Rx- only for 28 days

Question 24

Are Rx written in foreign language valid?

Answer 24

if EEa/ Swiss prescription- gives enough information & complies with legal reqs:

• patient name, DOB
• Prescriber name, qualifications, contact, address,
• prescribed med details
• signature of Rx-er
• Date- valid for 6 months ( CD 4- 28days)
• confirm reg status- e.g. GMC

Question 25

Which Act regulated what dentists can prescribe?

Answer 25

Medicines Act 1968 & Humans Medicines Regulations 2012- can prescribe anything in BNF/C

Question 26

What dos GDC recommend for dentists Rx ?

Answer 26

only prescribe hat is in DPF- NHS won't pay if not in DPF

Question 27

Are faxed Rx valid?

Answer 27

Not legally valid as not written in indelible ink and not singed by appropriate prescriber

Question 28

What to look out for in a forged Rx?

Answer 28

- Large quantity - Is Rx-er known? - Is patient known? - Has Dr been inserted? - patient behaviour- nervous? - is med commonly misused?

Question 29

What to do if you suspect a forged Rx?

Answer 29

- compare the signatures on previous Rx from same Rx-er | - contact the Rx-er

Question 30

Are electronic Rx valid?

Answer 30

Yes if signed with electronic signature

Question 31

What is EPS?

Answer 31

Electronic prescription Service- allows prescribers to send Rx electronically to a pharmacy of patients choice

Question 32

Does hospital Rx need to meet criteria of a normal Rx?

Answer 32

not the same requirements but any written direction to patient must be patient specified- - patient name - signed by Rx-er - don't need admin instructions but may have - can keep adding meds- dot need a new Rx for each med

Question 33

What needs to be added in the POM register?

Answer 33

private POM Rx | - NHS & contraceptive (private and health) Rx don't need to be in POM register

Question 34

Do CD need to be added to POM register?

Answer 34

Yes unless a CD register exists | - schedule 2 CD legally not required

Question 35

Fate of Private Rx after dispensing?

Answer 35

Need to keep for 2 years from date of suppl - for repeat Rx- the date of last sale - For CD s 2 & 3 - sent of to relevant agency- not kept

Question 36

Fate of NHS Rx after dispensing?

Answer 36

Send to NHSBSA for reimbursement

Question 37

Fate of Rx for oral contraceptives?

Answer 37

should be kept for 2 years

Question 38

When should the record be made?

Answer 38

On they or immediately on the day after

Question 39

What must a label contain?

Answer 39

1. name of patient 2. name and address of pharmacy 3. date of dispensing 4. name of medicine 5. directions for use 6. CALs 7. Keep out of reach and sight of children