Pharmacists at GPP Standard Pharmacies Have the Right to Refuse to Sell Prescription Medication

At Section II Appendix I-1b of Circular 02/2018/TT-BYT, regulations regarding selling prescription drugs at pharmacies meeting GPP standards are as follows:

- When selling prescription drugs, there must be the direct participation of a retailer with appropriate professional qualifications and compliance with the current regulations and provisions of the Ministry of Health on selling prescription drugs.

- The retailer must follow the prescription exactly. In cases where the prescription is unclear regarding the drug name, concentration, dosage form, quantity, or there are legal, professional violations or it affects the patient’s health, the retailer must inform the prescriber.

- The retailer must explain clearly to the buyer and has the right to refuse to sell prescription drugs in cases where prescriptions are invalid, there are errors or suspicions, prescriptions are not intended for treatment purposes.

- A retailer with a university degree in pharmacy has the right to replace the prescribed drug with another drug that has the same active ingredient, dosage form, and dosage upon the buyer's consent.

- A pharmacist can substitute the prescribed drug with another drug that has the same active ingredient, route of administration, and dosage upon the buyer's consent and must take responsibility for the drug substitution.

- The retailer is responsible for providing instructions to the buyer on how to use the drug, reminding the buyer to follow the prescription accurately.

- After selling narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs, precursor drugs, the retailer must enter the details in the logbook and retain the original prescription.

=> Therefore, pharmacy retailers selling prescription drugs must meet the above standards. They are entitled to refuse to sell prescription drugs in cases where prescriptions are invalid, have errors or suspicions, or are not intended for treatment purposes. Respectfully.