[e-drug] behind-the-counter or "pharmacist only" prescription drugs (7)

["MCAZ" <mcaz@africaonline.co.zw>]

E-DRUG: behind-the-counter or "pharmacist only" prescription drugs(7)
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Dear E-druggers,

In Zimbabwe there has been a category of medicines termed "Pharmacist Initiated Medicines" (PIM) since 1991.

A pharmacist may sell any medicine listed in this category at the request of any person, provided the pharmacist is satisfied that that person medically requires it. The pharmacist is required to keep/store the medicines in the dispensary and on supply is expected to maintain a record of the sale in the prescription book. The product must also be labeled with a dispensing label and must include, amongst others, the name of the person and date of dispensing.

The Pharmacist in this case only initiates and supplies himself the medicine. He therefore cannot write a prescription.

Medicines in this category include anti-helminths, topical and vaginal antifungal preparations, and also:

Allopurinol

Atropine, including eye drops and ointment, but excluding combination with metriphonate for treatment of worms in animals

Colchicum

Domperidone

Ephedra including natural or synthetic, preparations containing more than 30mgm per unit dose

Ergot

Glyceryl trinitrate

Hormones all oral contraceptives and vaginal preparations

Hyoscine

Ibuprofen

Insulin

Naproxen

Pholcodine in the form of liquid preparations only

Sodium cromoglycate, for preparations other than those intended for the treatment of asthma-

Sulphonamides including combinations with other active ingredients intended for intra-vaginal and ophthalmic use only

It is anticipated that for these categories of medicines, the pharmacist is able to diagnose, determine the appropriate treatment and monitor any related adverse reactions/events.

The applicable regulations are available on the MCAZ website www.mcaz.co.zw

Regards,

Rutendo Kuwana (Mr)
Assistant Director, Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials
Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe
106 Baines Avenue
Harare
Zimbabwe
e-mail: mcaz@africaonline.co.zw
website: www.mcaz.co.zw