Procedure for Receiving and Checking Prescriptions at Retail Pharmacies as Regulated

Based on Section 4.2.1, Subsection 4.2, Section 5.2.B, Chapter V of the Retail Pharmacy Practice Handbook (issued together with Decision 696/QD-QLD in 2021) which stipulates the receipt and inspection of prescriptions at retail pharmacies as follows:

(1) Checking the validity of the prescription:

+ The prescription or Medical Examination Book must conform to the prescribed format, clearly and fully recorded with the items printed in the prescription or in the Medical Examination Book.

+ Must include the name, signature of the prescriber, address, and stamp of the medical examination and treatment facility (e.g. clinic/hospital).

*+ ***** Validity: The prescription is valid for the purchase and dispensing of medications within a maximum period of 05 days from the date the prescription is issued.

+ Check the name, age, address of the patient, and disease diagnosis.

+ Ensure that the drug name is recorded according to regulations:

Drugs with a single active ingredient should be recorded under the international common name or under the international common name + (brand name).

Drugs with multiple active ingredients or biological products should be recorded under the brand name.

Record the drug name, concentration/content, quantity/volume, dosage, route of administration, and timing of administration for each type of drug. If the prescription includes a toxic drug, it must be recorded before listing other drugs.

+ Proceed to the next step only when the prescription is valid.

- In cases where the prescription is unclear regarding the drug name, concentration, content, quantity, or has legal or professional violations or affects the patient’s health, the Retailer must notify the prescriber.

- The Retailer should clearly explain to the buyer and has the right to refuse to sell the drug according to the prescription in cases where the prescription is invalid, contains errors or doubts, or is not intended for the purpose of treatment.

(2) Checking the safety, effectiveness, and rationality of drug use in the prescription.

- Check: dosage, drug interactions, duplicate active ingredients, etc. In cases where the prescription is unclear regarding the drug name, concentration, content, quantity, or has legal or professional violations or affects the patient’s health, notify the prescriber.

- Pay attention to specific groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with liver or kidney impairment.

Sincerely!