The Pharmacy Guild of Australia says it supports the release of new guidelines by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for practitioners who prescribe and dispense medicinal cannabis.
‘Like AHPRA, the Guild has been concerned about recent reports of irresponsible prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis,’ said PGA’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey.
‘We also applaud the regulator’s proactive action against practitioners who’ve demonstrated poor professional practices when prescribing medicinal cannabis.’
Professor Twomey noted while AHPRA’s medicinal cannabis prescribing guidelines were primarily aimed at prescribers, there was also application to pharmacists in relation to dispensing as a professional activity complementary to the prescribing process.
‘When dispensing medicinal cannabis prescriptions, community pharmacists should also assess the therapeutic need for the prescription and ensure prescribers have developed an appropriate management plan with the patient, which includes a clear exit strategy.
‘The guidelines reinforce that medicinal cannabis should not be considered a first-line treatment, but rather a therapeutic option, used only when supported by appropriate evidence,’ said Professor Twomey.
Clinical evidence needed
‘The Guild observes that for many symptoms, the clinical evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis remains low,’ he said. ‘It is essential that patients are fully informed of both the limitations of the evidence and the potential risks and adverse effects.
‘This responsibility rests with both the prescriber and the dispensing pharmacist.’
Professor Twomey says community pharmacists are well positioned to identify and assess any clinical concerns relating to medicinal cannabis prescriptions and take seriously their obligation to consult with prescribers to resolve any such issues prior to dispensing.
‘The Guild strongly supports the recommendation for communicating, following the patient’s permission, with their regular practitioners as well as the additional obligations for prescribers conducting telehealth consultations,’ he said.
‘A patient’s regular healthcare providers—such as their general practitioner and regular community pharmacy—are best placed to manage the safe and effective use of medicinal cannabis products.
‘The Guild also reinforces the responsibility of all healthcare providers, including community pharmacists, to report any unprofessional prescribing practices related to medicinal cannabis to the relevant regulatory authorities,’ said Professor Twomey.
