NPA "turns Up The Noise" On Pseudoephedrine Action, UK

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 14 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The NPA, recognising that the end of a consultation period often signals the end of campaign activity, will be putting into action a member facing campaign to ensure that all pharmacists are aware of what action needs to be taken now to mitigate against illicit purchases of pseudoephedrine.

Neal Patel, Head of Communications comments:

"It's convenient to see the end of a consultation period is the finishing line, but now is the time when the MHRA and Ministers will be considering the evidence. There is every chance the new Minister will want to take a fresh look at this issue, and he or she may choose to judge the situation, in part, by his or her own experience."

He adds:

"The NPA isn't content with issuing guidance and hoping for the best. We will be actively testing to see how our activity has changed practice in community pharmacy."

The campaign will begin with the issue of 'pseudoephedrine pledge cards' to all NPA members - asking pharmacists to show their commitment by taking the actions suggested.

The five pledges are:

1. I will make all staff aware of the potential for misuse of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
2. I will ensure all ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and ephedrine-containing medicines are unavailable for self-selection
3. I will instruct all staff to sell only ONE pack of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine containing medicine at a time, unless otherwise instructed by a pharmacist
4. I will make sure staff are alert to unusual requests, in particular, requests for large quantities or frequent requests
5. I will amend my sales of medicines protocol/self-care SOP to include guidance on sales of these medicines

NPA Director of Pharmacy Practice, Colette McCreedy adds:

"Pharmacy has accepted the threat of methamphetamine is real. We want to show Government that community pharmacy has the tools, rules and professional competence to manage this issue. The message isn't complicated. The implementation of a few simple actions will virtually eliminate the chance of pharmacy bought pseudoephedrine being used to make crystal meth."

http://www.npa.co.uk