RPS response to GPhC’s updated guidance on online pharmacy services
Published: 4 February 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) welcomes the updated guidance issued by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) on the provision of pharmacy services at a distance, including online services. The new guidance introduces stronger safeguards to ensure that individuals are not prescribed medicines that are clinically inappropriate or could cause harm.
RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson said:
“We fully support these safeguards to ensure safe prescribing practices and reduce risks associated with online supply of medicines. The inclusion of measures to ensure prescribers independently verify information provided by the patient, and weight-loss medicines being added to the list of high-risk medicines, is a key step toward protecting patient safety.
“We are pleased that the GPhC has reinforced the importance of a two-way interaction between patients and prescribers. Online consultations should be as thorough and robust as in-person consultations to ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and are fully informed about the medication being prescribed.
“Questionnaire-style prescribing should never become the norm, particularly for prescription-only medications and those with additional risk factors. The updated guidance will support online pharmacies to ensure safe and effective practices for patients accessing medicines and advice through an online consultation.
“Effective communication of this updated guidance to the profession is crucial. Its successful implementation in practice, supported by the GPhC’s inspection process, will be essential in maintaining patient safety.”
Find out more about the GPhC’s updated guidance.
Read more RPS news stories.
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