Sales of Medicine: When Must a Pharmacist Supervise?

In the UK most medicine’s can only be sold from a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. Some, though, can be sold from other outlets such as food shops, petrol stations and from pharmacists over the counter without the specific supervision of a pharmacist. From these other outlets sales are still regulated and, amongst other things, must be pre-packed so consumers can be confident that they haven’t been tampered with. The outlets must also be licensed to sell medicine, otherwise they are breaking the law.

When Can Medicine Be Sold Without the Supervision of a Pharmacist?

Only certain medicines can be sold without the supervision of a pharmacist. They must be low strength and certainly nothing that is like to cause serious harm to the consumer. Quantities are also regulated. There are rules as to how much can be in a pack and, in some cases, how many packs can be sold to each person. Pharmacies are allowed to sell larger quantities than other outlets.

Why are Certain Medicines only Allowed to be Sold Under the Supervision of a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are experts in the field, much like doctors, and medicine can be dangerous. Therefore there are times when it is deemed necessary for pharmacists to supervise the medicines that are being sold to patients and the quantities being sold. So for high quantities of medicine or those that are potentially dangerous it is important things are checked. The sale of any medicines that can cause serious side effects must also be supervised by a pharmacist. This is to make sure unsafe quantities are not consumed, that they are consumed in a safe manner, and that they are not sold to someone who is particularly likely to suffer from these possible side effects. When necessary, pharmacists must also talk patients though things, such as when medicine needs to be taken, how often it should be taken, and the quantities that should be taken. This process will include having to ask patients certain questions about the medicines where necessary, for example if a patient is pregnant if the particular medicine could cause problems where this is the case. There may be strict regulations as to the use of some medicines and it is a pharmacists’ job to make sure these are adhered by.

What About Prescriptions?

Possibly the most important reason why the sale of medicines have to be supervised by a pharmacist is that it is prescribed by a doctor. For many medicines a prescription is necessary to prevent them being sold to anyone who wishes to purchase them, as is the case if sold over the counter. This is for safety reasons to make sure they are not being consumed by someone without the relevant illness or condition.

Whether or not the supervision of a pharmacist is required depends on the medicine in question. The strength of the medicine, its side effects, and the quantities being sold are all contributing factors. This is all part of the regulations to make sure medicines are consumed safely.

Andrew Marshall (c)