The GPhC’s Chief Pharmacy Officer, Roz Gittins, has today written to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners to raise awareness of some emerging issues which have led to concerns being raised with us.
Everyone working in pharmacy is asked to review the information and think about any actions they should take to ensure patients and the public receive safe and effective care.
Supply or administration of non-medicinal, unregulated products
The email highlights that the GPhC has received concerns about pharmacies supplying non-medicinal, unregulated, unlicensed products, including a substance called ‘Lemon Bottle’ which has been advertised on social media, and claims to dissolve fat.
The email highlights that these unregulated products can potentially cause serious harm and outlines the responsibilities of pharmacy owners, Superintendent Pharmacists, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians if they are considering supplying or administering these products.
Providing complementary or alternative therapy services
In the email, Roz highlights that we are aware of a small number of community pharmacies providing complementary or alternative therapy services, such as acupuncture and cupping, to patients and the public.
The email highlights that pharmacy owners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are expected to consider and manage the risks of any complementary or alternative therapies they choose to provide from any setting they work in. They should also ensure staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, training and indemnity cover to provide these services, and that they can provide these services in an appropriate environment.
Working with online prescribing services not regulated in the UK
One other area highlighted in the email is that of registered pharmacies supplying medicines that have been prescribed by prescribers working for unregulated online platforms. Pharmacies are being reminded to follow our guidance on providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet which advises pharmacy owners and Superintendent Pharmacists should not work with online providers who avoid, or try to avoid, keeping to the UK regulatory system.
The full email is available to read online.