*Disclaimer: This article was published in 2020 and reflects the information available at that time.
There has been a recent spate of fraudulent S8 prescriptions along the east coast of Australia. PDL would like to remind members to remain vigilant and adhere to state-based legislation when dispensing any S8 prescriptions.
There have been several confirmed reports of fraudulent handwritten and computer-generated prescriptions for Durogesic patches in varying strengths and quantities. The prescriptions look legitimate and have handwritten instructions fulfilling all legal requirements for prescriptions written in NSW.
Pharmacies are often called a short time before the prescription is presented to ensure they have the product(s) in stock. The prescriptions have contact details including a landline telephone number which, when called, may be answered by people impersonating reception staff or a prescriber. Should you receive a private or non-PBS prescription for Durogesic patches, please ensure you are familiar with the prescriber and/or the patient. Pharmacists should be mindful that pharmacies are often targeted on weekends and after hours when it is more difficult to confirm prescriptions. Other “red flags” may include a prescription marked non-PBS or multiple packs prescribed.
Should you wish to confirm a prescription for an unknown prescriber and/or patient, pharmacists are advised to take extreme care to verify the legitimacy of the prescription. It may be prudent to check the AHPRA website for the prescriber’s details and ensure that the telephone number provided is linked to an established practice that relates to the prescriber’s location. Further independent enquiries may be made to double check the details and ensure the practitioner is genuine. This might include asking for both the prescriber and provider number or other open-ended questions about the nature of the treatment. Access to other tools such as My Health Record and Real Time Monitoring programs, where available (e.g. Safescript, DORA) may also be used to identify fraudulent prescriptions or seek clarity.
PDL would like to remind members that, should they receive a prescription for S8 medication, appropriate steps to establish that the prescription is legitimate must be taken prior to dispensing the product.
Depending on State legislation, if a pharmacist is unable to verify the legitimacy of a prescription however believes that the prescription is genuine, there may be a provision to supply no more than two days’ treatment (in the case of Durogesic, a single patch) until verification can be made. Please ensure you are familiar with the appropriate state-based legislation.
If confirmed that a presented prescription has been fraudulently produced, the prescription must not be dispensed. It should be retained, if possible and safe to do so, and the police contacted. The relevant state-based regulatory unit should also be notified.
Please contact PDL or a state-based regulator if you require any further information on this issue.
For further information:
See the NSW Government information on lost, stolen or forged prescriptions.
Call 1300 854 838 if this topic raises any concerns for you. PDL membership includes 24/7 access to speak with a Professional Officer for immediate advice and incident support, Australia-wide. Please leave a comment or question for our Professional Officers via the blog.
