DP 2

• labelling requirements

  dark print, group in sections relevant to the patient with most important info only, place active ingredient name and dosage and usage instructions in the position of greatest prominence, simply worded instructions in active voice, no trailing zeros. attach labels to the primary container and cals too. label on flat surfaces
• communicate with prescribers when

  • doubt about the legality or validity of the prescription • uncertainty about the prescriber’s intention • clear potential for drug misadventure • apparent overuse or underuse of a medication • doubt about the suitability of the medicine for the patient.
• how to communicate concern to prescriber

  identify particular concern, provide evidence and suggest an alternative.
• types of prescriptions


  personalised forms - include doctor's details on script, only provided to doctors with a medicare provider number. non-personalised (blank) forms - distributed in emergency. locum forms - have the doctors name and personal details but have a space to add current practice of doctor. PBS/RPBS authority forms - can be personalised, blank or locum. computer PBS prescription form - continuous or single sheet. on reverse they have the details of the doctor
• who can prescribe

  doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives, dentists, optometrists
• pbs stipulations

  treat only the person on the script, only for one person, one script for one person for one pbs item per day. 3 PBS medicines per script max, except for authority and optometry. pbs and non PBS not on the same script.
• prescriber bag


  pbs without charge to prescribers who provide free medication to patients for immediate administration or emergency use
• what resources can be used to check the safety of a medication dose

  amh and apf