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What do pharmacists see when you purchase codeine OTC

I'm sorry I've not replied until now, I forgot to come back and check on responses!
 
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OTC Codeine Monitoring Begins!

I can confirm that the MedsAssist OTC Codeine database is up and running in the Newcastle, NSW region.
Anyone purchasing anything otc containing codeine must show photo id and have their details recorded in the database or the pharmacist will refuse the sale.

http://www.itnews.com.au/news/aussie-pharmacies-test-real-time-monitoring-of-codeine-sales-414224

https://ajp.com.au/news/medsassist-on-track-to-monitor-codeine-sales-quilty/

I'm not sure on the timeframe between purchases before they refuse to sell anyone a product but...
On 3rd March I purchased a pack of 40 MyDol 15 tablets and had to show my drivers license and have my details recorded.
On 12th March I returned to the same pharmacy, showed my ID and was given the MyDol, no questions asked, so that was 9 days between purchases ... Hmmmm ???
Myself I think this is an invasion of privacy.
I'm not breaking any laws.
I don't have my details recorded when buying alcohol.
I don't have my details recorded when buying cigarettes.

There is nothing in State or Federal legislation requiring me to supply my personal information to purchase products containing codeine, so what gives a pharmacist the right to refuse a sale because I won't show them id?

It looks like it's going to get harder for guys in Australia to buy codeine otc. :(
 
I started getting my OTC codeine containing medications prescribed for me, due to the rude attitudes I was copping from the pharmacists. With a supply in the box that would last me 5 days, I was refused sale on day 4, even though it doesn't say on the prescription that a certain amount of days must be passed before resupply. So I think it partly depends on the attitude of the pharmacist, and having a prescription doesn't change their attitude. Buying OTC they can deny you if they suspect you are abusing it, no matter how many days have passed between purchases, but I think the general rule of thumb is 7 days. Because even though they supply 5 days worth at a time, it's not recommended to be taken for my than 3 days in a row without doctors instructions.
 
Real Time Monitoring, Nationwide, will commence on March 17.

New rules for the sale of Panadeine & Nurofen Plus etc.


After the pharmacists assesses for the need of OTC codeine containing medications, if it is deemed appropriate then:
The pharmacist asks for photo ID and seeks consent to record the ID number in the guild-run database, which is accessible via username and password. Only the number is recorded - not names, addresses, or dates of birth. It is retained for two years. If the patient declines to provide a photographic ID card number, the pharmacist may decline the medicine. The pharmacist may elect to offer alternative medicines or recommend other treatment options. The pharmacist records the name and quantity of the codeine-containing medicine and reviews previous purchases. If a supply is made based on therapeutic needs, the reason and recommended duration of use will be recorded in the system. Pharmacists also have the option of recording additional information in the form of free text to provide additional information or context to the supply. If the pharmacist decides it is not therapeutically appropriate to supply the medicine, they will explain the decision and may provide further clinical information.

i wonder how this will work out, "can I record your details on this data base?" Has never been said to me before.
 
yo, ainsley, this does not apply to all of us, and seems to be a regional incentive. Im in WA, and didnt have issues today with purchase.

Yes, they do discriminate if you look shady, alternative or not the 'norm'. I luckily hide under the guise of a gym rat who had a shoulder injury. I also am well spoken and come off as charming. Wear generic clothing and have a pleasant tone to your voice. Sadly, this is the way the world works.
 
they see someone in pain and needing something to releieve there pain so they can continue with there life .
its not good to go to the same chemist more then once a week
 
Well I'm a professional working in the health care sector and take pride in my appearance, so I hope I don't look too shady after the effort I go to each day, haha. I go to the same chemist because its closest to wear I live, and I'm not pharmacy hopping, if I do shop at a different place it's usually because I'm out of town. But after their rude service I think I'll be finding a different place to get my medications. I understand that it's their job to make judgement calls, but she didn't need to be a bitch about it. When I asked her how many days I had to wait before I could re-fill she wouldn't tell me exactly, just kept repeating how many tablets are in a box, and how many days these should last if you take them as instructed.

I copy-pasted part of my earlier post from an online magazine that is only available (as far as I know) to registered health practitioners. Though WA is a bit different with a lot of their health sector registration type stuff than the rest of Australia, I think Tasmania might be different as well, but don't quote me on that. Check back in after March 17th and let me know how you've been getting on. I feel frustrated that I was denied, despite having a prescription, I mean I got it to prevent that, (but it seems it doesn't matter, in my neck of the woods) and was worried that with public holidays coming up I wouldn't be able to get back to the chemist on my days off from work.
Thanks for your replies guys, it makes me feel a bit less alone in this.
 
Very interesting topic. Now, i havn't looked into any specific regulations but ill go the next step and apply this question to even prescription drugs. I have been on a number of benzos for years and my doctor and i have a fantastic honest realationship. Im 27 and his been my doctor seince i was 6. I would see him weekly for 50X5mg Diazepam, Every 14-21 days (when ever i ran out) of 100X2mg clonazepam, 14X10mg Zolpidon tartrate (stilnox) and occasionly if i wanted either nitrazepam or temazepam that would be no worries. SO i would see him every saturday usually walking out with 4 or 5 benzo scrips and the Z-class drug. There pharmist lady new me well and when it all started i explain as she asked shocked about the ammount, that im a benzodiazapine addict and im working with my GP on a gradual weening off period. There was never any problem for about a year.

A year Later she left and a new prick of a pharmaist/manager started working there. The first week i went to him (Obviously my past history in all on records on the screen, probs with notes explaining why. I handed then to the girl at the counter and waited in the seat, She shoortly came back with all my bezo scripts and said the Pharmist can only do the stillnox. He was looking at me so i didn't reply to her and walked straight over to him (customer side of counter) and said politly, (as i did to the original lady) Hi im ***** my GP is well aware of the amounts, this is due to a high benzo addiction in which we have worked out a gradual reduction process over a period off time, as the withdraws will be highly dangerous otherwise. I was greatly offended and surprised when he said "I know. I refuse too to authorize the release of the medications of those scripts, which i have the right to do and your previous pharmacist was acting against protocol." At this stage i snapped and said something like "Excuse me? Your a fucking pharmacist, not a General Practitioner who is trained in this field. I dont need to discuss anything with you as its dr patient privacy but i did out of respect" Too my shock, i was wrong. He said As a matter of fact sir (and quoted some numbered legislation) No matter what is on the script or by what level of Medical Practitioner, As the individual who is Dispensing the medication, Me as a pharmacist actually do have the right to refuse any script by any doctor. As i am the one physically selling you the drugs and any medical results from that I may be accountable. We do not have the same insurance at doctors do.

So yes, They can refuse anything if they want. :(
 
i heard in western australia startinjg from june 1st you cant buy codeine contiaing products , i hope its the same as nsw , just need to show some id and there ya go
 
I'm gonna test this out on Thursday. I know for a fact that purchases I've made at unrelated chemists are already being recorded and shared. Its a fact that I think involves highly unethical sharing of what should be confidential information. I requested my info be deleted as I did not consent to this, and was told this was not possible. My response was to request management contact info to complain to. This was dismissed.

It annoys me, I'm not an addict though use codeine recreationally once a fortnight. I don't think this negates my right to privacy.

I will never allow myself on this new register.
 
Have you considered contacting the ombudsman or something, willow?
Breaches of people's health-related privacy is a serious allegation that i think deserves to be scrutinised by people above store management.
 
^Have considered it. Was concerned it might open a can of worms... I wrote a formal letter (I was high on codeine at the time) detailing the breach which I posted to the offending pharmacies. No response yet.
 
i have bought a generic brand ibuprofen/codeine OTC from 2 local pharmacies, neither asked my name or to see any ID. only bought one packet at each though, have to ask now they have moved behind counters not just registers
 
just posted in another thread about this issue, in the Illawarra (NSW) pharmacists arent yet requiring ID for OTC codeine purchases or even asking for a name
 
I did not get asked for ID this morning. I wonder if it is more of an opt in thing for pharmacists. I bet you that most pharamcists will not want to have to go to such lengths considering how much they would sell of codeine combination...

This thread is also discussing the same/similar things.
 
I've had to show my license twice for buying mersyndol.

First time it happened I was only going to get a small box, seeing as they wanted id straight away, I opted in for 40 pack. The next time I went in I expected to be id'd again. This time I didnt get a choice in how many I could buy, but after runningy id through the system they said here you go same as last time.

This was in Wollongong by the way, there was no weird questions asked, just the usual "have you had this before" "are you alergic to paracetamol" and "are you on any other medications".
 
Just bought another pack this morning, so that's 7 days apart.
Same thing...
Show photo ID, asked if I'd had them before, on any other medication, asked what sort of pain I was taking it for.
Punched a few keys on the computer and then gave them to me.

Apparently they are doing this to try and stop government making them script only.
Also to identify people with a codeine problem and chemist shoppers.

Can you guys who purchase please post the area you live in so we can try to find out just how widespread this 'monitoring' is?
I'm in Newcastle btw. :)
 
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