Lesson 2

Question 1

What are the 3 classes of medicines?

Answer 1

• GSL
• P
• POM

Question 2

Why are medicines reclassified?

Answer 2

• Provides pharmacists with a larger range of medicines to select from to treat patients
• Growing confidence in a medicinal product
• May be restrictions relating to: max strength, route of admin, purpose of use/ use in a specific group, particular pharmaceutical form
• Max quantity that can be sold/ supplied

Question 3

Benefits of increasing OTC meds

Answer 3

• Quick relief of disorders
• Autonomy/ Self-care
• Rapid/ convenient access

Question 4

Barriers to increasing availability of OTC meds

Answer 4

• Side effect profile
• Possibility of misdiagnosis and delay of treatment
• Potential for harm from incorrect use

Question 5

What is the underlying principle for change in classification?

Answer 5

• Maximise timely access to effective medicines, while minimising risk of harm from inappropriate use
• Supporting evidence focusing on risk to the public
• Risk management: dose, duration, pack size and use

Question 6

Signs for potential misuse

Answer 6

1. Lack of symptoms
2. Rehearsed answers
3. Impatient/ aggressive
4. Opportunistic
5. Wants specific products
6. Paraphernalia
7. Quantities
8. Frequencies