The problems with dispensing EEA and Swiss prescriptions
From Mr A. M. F. O. El-Dabbagh, MRPharmS
The new legislation regarding dispensing of prescriptions from the European Economic Area and Switzerland is worrying (PJ, 25 October 2008, p446a). Why is it that pharmacists are only permitted to dispense EEA and Swiss prescriptions but not prescriptions from, for example, the US or India?
Dispensing errors will become more frequent because of different brand and drug names across Europe. Also, how can we tell a patient who cannot speak English, that: “While taking this medicine, do not drive or operate machinery” or “do not swallow Spiriva capsules but inhale its contents”?
This could result in the pharmacist compromising his or her duty of care to the patient by being unable to give proper advice.
Perhaps we need a special system that can produce labels with different languages. Patient information leaflets will also need to be printed in different European languages.
Ahmed El-Dabbagh
Wickford, Essex
