Generics care urged
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has reminded pharmacists of their responsibilities when dispensing generic medicines, in light of recent reports of medicine misadventure related to generic substitution.
"Some particularly troubling reports have been received due to consumers not being given clear and adequate information," an APC statement said.
One case involved an elderly woman who had been using a branded heart medication, and had this replaced with a generic brand of the same medication on a subsequent visit to the pharmacy.
The patient was advised that the generic medication "does the same thing" -- but she misunderstood this to mean that it strengthened her existing medication and enhanced its effect.
Consequently she took the generic medication in the prescribed dose while continuing to take the branded heart medication. The result was her hospitalisation.
To avoid similar incidents, the APC, in consultation with the National Prescribing Service, has reminded pharmacists that they must draw the patient's attention to the name of the active ingredient every time a dispensed medication is handed out.
In addition, pharmacists have a responsibility to ensure that all relevant pharmacy staff are competent to carry out this function, the Council said.
26-Jun-2008