Pharmacy Verification of Prescribed Drugs: Safeguarding Against Drug Shortage

As a healthcare provider, ensuring that the prescribed medication is accurately dispensed is paramount. However, there have been cases where highly controlled drugs were being shorted and sold illegally on the market. This raises concerns about the reliability of pharmacies in verifying the quantity dispensed. In this article, we will discuss the methods pharmacists can use to verify the quantity of controlled drugs and the importance of pharmacies maintaining high standards in prescription accuracy.

Consequences of Pharmacy Shortage

The situation you described highlights a serious issue in the pharmaceutical industry. If a pharmacist shorted a prescription, it can result in patients receiving less medication than prescribed, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and potential harm. Your physician's warning about this practice is a valid concern that underscores the importance of accurate prescription handling.

Your experience is not isolated. During the height of opioid scrutiny, it became apparent that some pharmacies were issuing higher quantities of controlled drugs to resell them. For instance, a patient you treated for a painful infection was receiving a substantial amount of highly controlled drugs monthly. This raises questions about the integrity of the pharmacy and the prescribing physician. While we cannot conclusively determine the rationale behind such practices, it is concerning, especially when the numbers involved are significant.

Current Safeguards and Best Practices

Fortunately, stringent safeguards now exist to prevent such occurrences. One of the most critical tools is the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). PDMPs are state-based drug abuse early warning systems that provide healthcare providers with access to patient prescription histories. Before prescribing opioids, healthcare providers can check the PDMP to ensure the patient is not receiving excessive medications from multiple sources.

For instance, in your recent case, a patient attempting to get narcotics had just received them from two different prescribers within a short timeframe. The PDMP flagged this, indicating a potential issue that needed further investigation. This preventive measure helps to identify and deter drug-seeking behavior, ensuring that the medication is used appropriately.

Ensuring Accuracy Through Verifications

Pharmacists should adopt best practices to minimize the risk of shorting prescriptions. One such practice is recounting medications in front of the patient when requested. This simple step can significantly increase trust and reduce the likelihood of discrepancies. Here are some additional measures:

Counting Trays and Verification

Pharmacists should use counting trays or other tools to verify the quantity of dispensed medications. Counting in front of the patient is a practical method, as mentioned in your experience. It gives the patient peace of mind and ensures that the correct amount of medication is being dispensed.

Double-Checking with PDMP

Before dispensing controlled drugs, pharmacists should perform a double-check against the PDMP. This step not only helps in identifying potential drug-seeking behavior but also ensures that the prescribed quantity is accurate and appropriate.

Regular Audits

Pharmacies should conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with verification procedures. These audits can help identify any gaps in the verification process and address them proactively. Regular training for pharmacy staff on the importance of accurate prescription handling is also crucial.

Conclusion

Pharmacies play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system. Ensuring that the correct quantity of prescribed medications is dispensed is crucial to maintaining patient safety and trust. While pharmacies must remain vigilant in preventing shorting of controlled drugs, measures such as counting medications in front of the patient, using PDMP, and conducting regular audits can significantly enhance accuracy and reliability.

By adhering to these best practices, pharmacies can help minimize the risk of drug shortage and contribute to a safer and more trustworthy healthcare environment.