Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

As of the first day of 2004, the controversial drug postinor is available as a schedule three (pharmacist only) medicine.
In the two months prior to the down scheduling, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia produced documents outlining a correct procedure for supply of the medication, taking into account the issues of privacy, as well as supply to a third person.

With arguments being put forward as to the morality of the pill, fear of litigation if the pill were to fail and some who were concerned that they did not have enough opportunity, time or information to supply postinor as a Pharmacist Only medicine.

I am not even going to begin to tackle the morality issue, except to say that regardless of my beliefs, I will be supplying the medication for those who request it if it is appropriate.

On the litigation front, I don't believe a single case where a pharmacist takes due care to supply the medication will ever make it to the court room.
Due care involves having a set procedure for the supply of the medication.

Set procedures help to minimise errors in dispensing and errors in counselling and supply.
I personally have a written set procedure for each schedule three medications.
We thoroughly teach our pharmacy assistants the WHAT STOP GO protocol. QCPP pretty much takes care of just about all our other procedures.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) was responsible enough to produce a flow chart regarding all things to consider when supplying Postinor.
It is simply a matter of using this flowchart and applying it to your everyday practice.

They also supplied a continuing education booklet on contraception, which was indeed timely.

These items were produced a couple of months before the end of 2003, and, admittedly due to the rush that pharmacy has as a result of the safety net system, there is never a great deal of time in December. However, it would only take a few brief moments, or a circular to inform staff members of how to deal with a request for the medication.

I do believe that the NPDSC got this decision wrong.
I do not believe it is a medication that should be available without prescription.
However, this is an opportunity for pharmacists to show other professions that we are a key link in the quality use of medicines.
It is important that this be done properly and professionally by pharmacists and in particular pharmacy owners.

Price promotion is the job of the supermarkets.

Health promotion is our turf.