1. The Dispensing Process 💊

Dispensing is NOT just handing over meds. It's a systematic process to ensure safety.

Standard Steps:

Receive & Validate: Check if prescription is valid, complete, and authentic.
Understand & Interpret: Analyze the order. Check for DRPs (interactions, allergies).
Prepare & Label: Count/pour/mix. Label correctly with patient name and instructions.
Final Check: Verify drug against prescription before releasing.
Record & File: Document transaction (Logbook/System). Keep Rx copy.
Issue & Counsel: Give meds + Patient Education (How to take, side effects).

2. Types of Prescriptions (AO 2020-0017) 📝

Dapat alam mo kung kailan REJECT at kailan FILL. Essential for board exams!

Type	Defect	Pharmacist Action
Erroneous	Brand name precedes generic; Generic in parenthesis; Brand name only.	FILL, but counsel patient and report to FDA. (Previously "Void" under old law, updated by AO 2020-0017)
Violative	Generic is legible but brand is illegible; Generic name is not legible; Rx for dangerous drug doesn't follow forms.	DO NOT FILL. Advise patient to get valid Rx.
Impossible	Drug does not exist; Generic and Brand don't match; Both names illegible.	DO NOT FILL. Clearly impossible to dispense safely.

Note: Always prioritize patient safety. If unsure, call the prescriber!

3. RA 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act) 🇵🇭

The Bible of our profession. Replaced RA 5921. Know your rights and duties!

Scope of Practice (Sec. 4)

Exclusive to RPh: Prepare, compound, dispense drugs; Teach professional pharmacy subjects; Render clinical services; Analyze drugs (food/water testing).

Category A vs Category B

Category A: Pharmacist MUST be physically present (Community/Hospital Pharmacy).
Category B: Pharmacist oversight required but not always present (Medical device/cosmetic distribution).

Immunization (Sec. 40)

RPh can administer vaccines (adults) IF: Certified (training) + Under physician supervision.

4. Dangerous Drugs (RA 9165) 🚫

Handling regulated drugs requires strict compliance. PDEA is watching!

S-License Types:

S1: Retail dealer (Community Pharmacy)
S2: Prescriber (MD/DMD/DVM)
S3: Retailer of exempt preparations
S4: Wholesaler/Distributor

Yellow Prescription:

Required for Dangerous Drugs
Triplicate copies (1-Patient, 2-RPh, 3-PDEA)
Must have S2 license number
Strict recording in Dangerous Drugs Book

5. Pharmacy Ethics 🤝

Relationships with patients, colleagues, and society.

Patient Welfare: Primary concern. Health > Profit.
Confidentiality: Protect patient privacy (RA 10173 Data Privacy Act).
Professionalism: Collaborate with other healthcare pros. Don't disparage colleagues.
Honor: Uphold the dignity of the pharmacy profession.

6. Practice Questions 🧠

Quiz Time!

Q1: A prescription has the Generic Name written in parenthesis below the Brand Name. How do you classify this?

Answer: Erroneous. Generic name should be written first or prominent. However, under new guidelines, we generally FILL erroneous prescriptions but counsel and report.

Q2: Which RA created the FDA (replacing BFAD)?

Answer: RA 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009). It strengthened the regulatory capacity of the agency.

Q3: What license is needed for a hospital pharmacy to sell dangerous drugs?

Answer: S1 License (Retail dealer). Even hospitals dispense to end-users (patients), so they need S1.

💊 RPh Oath

Always remember: "I will hold the health and safety of my patients to be my first consideration."

Galingan mo beshy! The community needs trusted pharmacists like you! ✨

Pharmacy Practice