Claims there is no need for continued dispensing as patients on chronic medications could go without “for a week or two”, have been dismissed by the NPS.
Dr Lynn Weekes, NPS CEO (pictured), said while there was probably a low risk for patients who had taken the medicines regularly if they stopped for a few days, she was concerned that without continued dispensing, patients might go without the medicines for an extended period of time.
"By participating in continued dispensing arrangements pharmacists have to consider whether the benefits of continued supply outweigh the potential risks," she said.
"One of the advantages of continued dispensing is it ensures continuation of supply, which may be important for a patient's ongoing adherence to a medicine.
"Continued dispensing...
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