Mitigating risks of the Opioid Therapy Program
Pharmacists have admirably navigated the changes to the provision of the Opioid Therapy Program (OTP) in 2023, overcoming numerous challenges whilst maintaining uninterrupted service to their patients. With pharmacists now becoming accustomed to these changes, the PDL Professional Officers wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some common incidents involving the OTP that have been […]
Administering medicines by injection
In recent years, the pharmacy profession has seen significant expansion in the range of medicines that pharmacists can administer by injection. The scope has broadened to encompass different age groups and medicines, via different routes of injection. PDL guide to support pharmacists in the preparation and delivery of medicines by injection PDL has released a […]
Electronic prescriptions
The introduction of electronic prescriptions has improved patient accessibility to medication and reduced the administrative burden on pharmacies related to faxed or emailed prescriptions. Most pharmacies now successfully operate a hybrid dispensing workflow that incorporates both electronic and paper-based prescriptions. Despite the benefits of electronic prescriptions, mistakes can still be made if the correct dispensing […]
Maintaining professional boundaries: A reminder for pharmacists
Meridian Lawyers has collaborated with PDL to prepare an article about professional boundaries and the types of conduct that are likely to be the subject of complaint to regulators. The article references Ahpra’s 2022/23 annual report, which revealed 841 notifications involving possible failures to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. At the lower end of the spectrum, […]
Off-label prescribing
Off-label prescribing occurs when a medication is used for a purpose that is not approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It may involve using a medication in a different dosage, route of administration or for a different patient population. While off-label prescribing is legal and sometimes necessary, it may pose ethical and safety […]
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
In recent weeks, the PDL Professional Officers have received a number of queries regarding pharmacists’ obligations and liability when dispensing Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). Tirzepatide is a long-acting dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is registered with the TGA and indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 […]
Beware of fake drug representatives
The PDL Professional Officers have been made aware of a situation where a person approaches dispensary staff and introduces themselves as a representative from a well-known drug company. PDL is advised that the person provides a company business card to support their alleged position. PDL would like to stress that this person is not an […]
Checking SafeScript when supplying pregabalin, gabapentin and tramadol
The PDL Professional Officers confirm that Victorian pharmacists have been receiving notifications regarding lapses in compliance with SafeScript. PDL strongly recommends that pharmacists take the time to familiarise themselves with their legal obligations. PDL wishes to underscore the importance of considerations from a professional and clinical perspective in every situation and placing patient well-being at […]
A vaccination update
Each year pharmacies routinely see an increase in demand for vaccination services as winter approaches. The recent surge in demand for pharmacist-administered vaccines has also seen a rise in the number of vaccine-related calls and incidents reported to PDL. Commonly reported vaccination errors Administration of incorrect vaccine, e.g. high demand for influenza vaccines leading to […]
NSW biannual S8 stock check reminder
PDL would like to remind NSW-based pharmacists and pharmacy owners of the requirement to complete an S8 stock check during March. While most pharmacists are compliant with this regulatory obligation, PDL is aware from incident reports that this requirement is overlooked on occasion leading to potential regulatory action. PDL appreciates the reasons this oversight may […]
