THE PHILIPPINE Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA) reminded the public to follow the regulations over prescription drugs. PPhA made this announcement on April 22, following a viral social media post involving a pharmacist and a customer.

In the now-deleted video, which recently made rounds online, a customer allegedly rebuked a pharmacist in a drug store in Cebu city.

It was clearly seen in the video that the pharmacist refused to sell prescription drugs for hypertension to the customer when no prescription slip was presented.

The pharmacist also pointed out that the medicine the customer wanted to purchase had an Rx label which means it’s a prescription drug.

Netizens were quick to share copies of the footage and defend the pharmacist.

“Buti nga ‘yung mga pharmacist nagsasabi ng totoo para hindi tayo mapahamak sa kakainom ng gamot na hindi natin alam ang side effect”

“Salute to all Health care workers!”

Having a prescription when buying medicine is important for several reasons:

1. Safety – Prescriptions ensure that the medicine is appropriate for your specific condition, minimizing the risk of bad effects or interactions with other medications you might be taking.

2. Guidance – A healthcare professional such as a doctor or pharmacist, can provide guidance on proper dosage, administration, and potential side effects when you have a prescription.

3. Regulation – Prescription helps regulate the distribution and use of certain medications, particularly those that may be habit-forming or have a potential for abuse.

4. Monitoring – By requiring a prescription, healthcare providers can monitor your response to the medication and adjust as necessary to ensure best treatment outcomes.

Pharmacists are required by law to adhere to the existing guidelines on dispensing drugs under the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016. This means they have the authority to refuse anyone who wants to buy prescription drugs if they fail to present prescription slips.

In the meantime, the PPhA advised consumers to consult with certified healthcare providers before buying medicines, whether these are prescription or over-the-counter medications.

“We encourage the public to work together to promote a culture of safety and accountability in healthcare practices for optimum health outcomes,” they said.

With reports from Jhovie Berasis