22.07.13
RPS warns of wasted prescriptions
Up to £300m of drugs are thrown away each year, as doctors prescribe drugs for long periods of time and patients stockpile their prescriptions.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is calling for a more tailored approach to prescription, and for patients to be more sensible with what they need.
Ash Soni, vice-chair of the English pharmacy board of the RPS, said: “Have a better discussion with your doctor about your medicines. We can do something about when patients simply haven't taken the drugs and they've continued to be prescribed, or they're just not appropriate.”
NHS England's deputy chief pharmaceutical officer, Clare Howard, highlighted some of the causes of over-prescription: “These include the ways in which medicines are developed, doctors' prescribing habits, the ways in which ‘repeat’ medicines are ordered, and of course patients' understanding of the importance of taking medicines as prescribed and ensuring they only order what they need.”
The Royal College of GPs said: “Many patients expect a prescription at the end of their consultation, particularly antibiotics for common colds and infections that will get better naturally or respond better to other treatments, and this can make it difficult for GPs to prescribe appropriately.
“Prescribing has been designated a clinical priority and we have already produced a wide range of resources, with the Health Protection Agency to support GPs in this area.”
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