In addition, the new guidelines for the profession on the safe supply of non-prescription products containing codeine make it clear pharmacies will have to ensure customers are aware of how to use the medicines appropriately.
The draft guidelines were published yesterday by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) which regulates the pharmacy profession. They will be enforced following consultation with the public and the profession.
Pharmacists who fail to adhere to the guidelines could be prosecuted in court and also find themselves before a fitness to practise committee hearing.
The guidelines state that codeine-containing products,which include some painkillers and cough bottles, must be kept out of sight and should ideally be stored in the dispensary.
Recent figures from the Health Research Board show the numbers seeking treatment for codeine as a main problem drug increased in the past 10 years from 18 in 1998 to 84 in 2008.
The PSI says it will have 10 inspectors and “mystery customers” checking to ensure the guidelines are complied with.
It says codeine-containing products should not be the first line of treatment for pain relief, and customers should be advised of this. Instead, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen should be used. If pain persists, a codeine-containing product could be taken, but only for a maximum of three days before medical advice is sought.
The PSI says the guidance is intended to assist pharmacists “in meeting their professional and legal responsibilities” in the supply of codeine-containing non-prescription medicines and to assist in securing compliance with relevant legislative and professional obligations under the new Pharmacy Act. It also aims to improve patient safety.
The draft guidance document states that if a pharmacist becomes aware of a suspected abuse/misuse/addiction issue particular to a patient and directly associated with the use of codeine medicines, they should “make all reasonable attempts to ensure that the patient is facilitated in accessing services which will assist in the management of that addiction”.
“The policy and procedures documentation in the retail pharmacy business should include contact details for the national and/or local support and treatment services which are available to patients.”
Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, registrar and chief executive of the PSI, said the guidelines were part of the clinical standard pharmacists would have to adhere to.
“Once the consultation process is complete, pharmacists and pharmacies will be required to comply in full with the finalised guidance,” he said.
The Irish Pharmacy Union, which represents 1,800 pharmacists, has welcomed the draft guidance document.
Those who wish to comment on the new guidelines should write to the PSI, 18 Shrewsbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, before January 15th or e-mail consultation@pharmaceutical society.ie
Source: Eithne Donnellan, The Irish Times, 22/12/2009
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