Week 13 / P medicines Flashcards
(48 cards)
Q: Is there a definitive list of Pharmacy (P) medicines in the UK?
A: No, there is no definitive list of Pharmacy medicines.
Q: How can you identify if a medicine is a Pharmacy (P) medicine?
A: By checking the medicine’s marketing authorisation, packaging, or trusted references like the BNF.
Q: How are Pharmacy (P) medicines classified?
A: They are medicines that are not POM or GSL, or are classified as P in their marketing authorisation.
Q: What is the legal classification of medicines made in a pharmacy for retail sale under licensing exemptions?
A: They are classified as Pharmacy (P) medicines.
Q: Why should you avoid calling P medicines “Pharmacy only medicines”?
A: Because some products labelled “Pharmacy only” are actually GSL by legal classification, restricted by the manufacturer—not the law.
Q: What medicines are included under Schedule 15?
A: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol.
Q: What is the legal classification of paracetamol 500mg tablets (non-soluble) in a pack of 16?
A: GSL (General Sale List).
Q: What is the legal classification of paracetamol 500mg tablets (non-soluble) in a pack of 32?
A: P (Pharmacy medicine).
Q: What is the maximum legal quantity of paracetamol 500mg tablets that can be sold over the counter?
A: 100 tablets (quantities over 100 are classified as POM).
Q: How many 32-tablet packs of paracetamol 500mg can be sold in one transaction to the same purchaser in a pharmacy?
A: Maximum of 3 packs (96 tablets) — selling 4 packs (128 tablets) would exceed the legal OTC limit.
Q: Are there legal maximum pack size restrictions for soluble paracetamol 500mg?
A: No legal maximum — use professional discretion.
Q: Do the same Schedule 15 rules apply to aspirin 300mg tablets (non-soluble)?
A: Yes, the same classification and sale limits apply.
Flashcard 1
Q: What can cause a POM to be classified as a P (Pharmacy) medicine?
Flashcard 2
Q: Give an example of a POM that is classified as a P medicine due to its small pack size.
Flashcard 3
Q: How can the indication affect the classification of a POM?
Flashcard 4
Q: Which controlled drugs can be exempt from POM status at low strengths?
Flashcard 5
Q: What is an example of a POM that can be sold as P, POM, or GSL based on the form and pack size?
1A: When the medicine is sold in small pack sizes, low strengths, for certain indications, or in certain forms.
2A: Hydrocortisone 1% cream, 15g — classified as P.
3A: Some POMs are classified as P medicines for specific indications, such as Naproxen 250mg for primary dysmenorrhea in women aged 15–50 years.
4A: Codeine, dihydrocodeine, and morphine are exempt from POM status when below a specified strength.
5A: Diclofenac — POM for systemic use, but for external topical use (e.g., creams, gels), it can be POM, P, or GSL depending on pack size.
Q: What are the requirements for the retail sale of Pharmacy (P) medicines?
A: The sale of P medicines can only occur if:
The premises is a registered pharmacy.
The seller is a pharmacist or is acting under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the retail sale requirements for Pharmacy (P) medicines?
A: Yes, in the event or anticipation of a pandemic disease, the sale of P medicines may be allowed under a protocol approved by a Government Minister.
Q: What standards must be followed when selling Pharmacy (P) medicines?
A: Sales must comply with GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals and any related guidance on pharmacy staff and premises.
Q: Who can sell P medicines?
A: P medicines can only be sold by a pharmacist or a staff member acting under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Q: What is the legal definition of supervision for the sale of P medicines?
A: The pharmacist must:
Be aware of the sale.
Be in a position to intervene where necessary.
Q: Can a pharmacist supervise the sale of P medicines if they are not present in the pharmacy?
A: No, the pharmacist must be present in the pharmacy premises and able to supervise the sale. The sale cannot be supervised if the pharmacist is absent, even for a short time.
Q: Will the definition of supervision for the sale of P medicines change in the future?
A: Yes, changes to the definition of supervision may be made in the future, and these will be included in Level 4 lectures.
Q: What is the focus of the RPS guidance on safe and effective use of medicines?
A: The guidance focuses on:
Maximising safety, effectiveness, and adherence.
Providing expertise and advice to support safe use of medicines.
Referring patients to pharmacists or other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Ensuring pharmacy medicines are not accessible for self-selection.
Q: What is the role of pharmacy staff in patient experience and patient-centred care according to the RPS guidance?
A: Pharmacy staff should:
Support patient decision-making.
Treat patients with dignity and respect.
Respect privacy and confidentiality.
Actively seek the views of patients and carers in service delivery.
Provide clear, understandable information to help patients make informed choices.
Q: What does the RPS guidance say about workforce development in pharmacies?
A: The guidance emphasizes:
Ensuring the pharmacy team has the right skills, capability, and capacity.
Providing induction and ongoing development for all pharmacy team members.
Planning and resourcing the workforce to support service quality, safety, and productivity.
Q: What should pharmacists be cautious about when selling medicines with restricted pack sizes? [3]
A: Pharmacists need to:
Be aware of legal restrictions on pack sizes (e.g., GSL or P in small packs but POM in larger packs).
Consider the possibility of abuse, misuse, or inappropriate self-medication if large quantities are requested.
Offer smaller quantities or refuse the sale with explanation and appropriate signposting.
