Types of pharmacy medications

There are three types of drug: over the counter medications (OTC), prescription only medicines (POM) and behind the counter medications (BTC). Over the counter medications such as paracetamol generally have no special restrictions though the quantity sold at any one time may be limited. This is because these drugs are considered relatively safe and cannot cause harm if taken as per the manufacturers instructions. Their ingredients are regulated and manufacturers reproduce their versions according to government set formulations which define how the medicine should be made and prevent any wild deviations. These drugs can often be bought from outlets other than a pharmacy, for example in the supermarket. Prescription only medications such as trattamenti per impotenza Pfizer per via orale can only be dispensed on prescription, where the treatments have been prescribed by a medical practitioner. A prescription drug is licensed and the law stipulates that a medical professional assesses a patient's suitability for treatment before providing a prescription. The prescription must be valid and correctly dispensed by a pharmacy. The term prescription only is used to highlight the requirement for prescription. In the UK the Medicines Act of 1968 outlines the supply of medications and government bodies regulate those involved in the provision of all types of treatment. Obtaining prescription only medications without prescription is a legal offence. Behind the counter medications such as the morning after pill Levonelle are controlled by a pharmacist, but do not require a prescription in order to be sold. The patient may be required to undergo a brief assessment to establish their suitability for medications. This procedure is normally completed with the help of the pharmacist who will decide at his own discretion whether treatment is appropriate. The pharmacist is expected in some cases to provide the patient with dosing instructions, so that the drugs are taken correctly.

You can obtain a prescription from any medical professional who deems you suitable for treatment. The prescription may be issued on the NHS or by a private practitioner and can be dispense at any pharmacy, preferably a Royal Pharmaceutical Society GB registered service. Medications prescribed on an NHS prescription are subsidised, however you have to pay around £7 per item unless you have an exemption certificate. Private prescriptions are normally required where treatment is not subsidised by the government, for example for lifestyle or cosmetic treatments such as anti-malarial medications or hair loss tablets. The patient must pay for both the prescription and the medications prescribed.

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