Ellen Campbell -Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAY THERE IS very little discussion about the dangers associated with third- party medication buying. Third- party medication buying refers to the purchasing of prescription and non-prescription medication on another's behalf.
Third-party buyers fall into two categories. Some are caregivers who purchase medication on behalf of their clients. They usually have full knowledge of their client's needs and provide adequate information on which the pharmacist can fill a prescription or recommend over-the-counter products.
However, the majority of third-party buyers have very little knowledge about the patient. They range from office colleagues, relatives, friends or taxi drivers who are operating in the category of messenger. Sometimes, children are also used. The practice of using such persons to pick up medication increases the possibility of medication errors. There is also the fact that some third-party buyers seek to access medicines for resale on the "street market".
Pharmacists are now very aware of this and are on the alert for requests for certain medicines that are being abused in this way. There are some circumstances in which the use of third-party buyers is unavoidable. Some patients are unable to move about or the medicine that is needed may be available from a distant pharmacy.
Others use this method to preserve anonymity. For example, persons living with HIV/AIDS or those buying emergency contraceptives seek to hide their identity by asking bearers to buy on their behalf. This practice is of concern because the counselling process associated
with the provision of these
medicines is vital in assuring their proper use.
It is always best to buy your own medication. However, the following tips will help to reduce problems associated with third-party buying:-
Telephone your
pharmacy and ask to speak to
the pharmacist.
Advise the pharmacist that you are sending a bearer to fill your prescription.
Leave your name, age, address and telephone number. This information will allow your pharmacist to contact you should any problems arise.
When you receive your medication, check to ensure that your name is written on all labels.
Call the pharmacist for answers to any medication-related queries that you may have.
Never send a child to purchase your medication
If you are sending a bearer to collect over-the-counter medicines, then telephone your pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist; respond accurately to questions so that appropriate recommendations can be made and send the bearer to the pharmacist to collect your medication.
The practice of third-party buying is fraught with difficulties and provides loopholes for the distortion of vital information or the diversion of medicines. The information that you give is kept as confidential records and forms part of your medication history.
The delivery of pharmacy services is changing in Jamaica and there are now more stringent requirements for the documentation of services provided by pharmacists. Remember, never ask a child to purchase medication for you. Please help to prevent medication errors by asking your pharmacist, you have the right to know!
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, President of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) and Director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Kingston, Jamaica.
