New pharmacy rules announced

[CoverMeInMarmalade]

Pharmacies require stricter weight-loss jab checks www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yeklrer39o

We knew it was on the cards but really frustrating if this now causes problems for those of us who are genuinely obese and need this drug to help save our health/lives.

Thats reassuring if the provider can do the checks. Hopefully no delays.

Ah ok, it’s all over the media, sky news, the lot, basically saying it is in, it did seem odd to expect them to do that immediately.

The GPhC has issued new guidance today though, that all pharmacies are expected to follow. This is from their website:

https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/about-us/news-and-updates/online-pharmacies-strengthen-safeguards-prevent-unsafe-supply-medicines

It seems from what it says here that pharmacies are expected to follow this guidance from now on - "Online pharmacy owners and Superintendent Pharmacists are expected to review the updated guidance and make any changes needed to their online pharmacy’s operations, processes and digital platforms at the earliest opportunity. "

Did you receive an email from Oushk?

That doesn’t say now, it says earliest opportunity, which is very wide, it means they have time to do it.

I just had my latest order approved today with no extra checks etc. I ordered this morning and had it approved a hour later.

I suspect the roll out in supermarket pharmacies will help to keep prices competitive.

This is a good thing. It makes it harder for the medicines to be supplied to people for whom it may not be safe. It won't affect maintenance for people who met the criteria originally and are following the guidelines.

Did you receive an email from Oushk?

No, they posted on their FB page

The post in full...

As mentioned last night, there is still nothing confirmed as the GPhC has not released any official statements or contacted us directly. There has been a lot of discussion around this, and rightfully so. Stricter regulations should be applied, as there are pharmacies that don't even require mandatory checks, such as body image uploads. We must remember that these are prescription medications, and as prescribers, we are responsible for carrying out the necessary assessments before supplying them.

To help address any concerns, here’s a quick FAQ:

1. What does this mean for me as a customer?

For now, there is no change in our process. We are monitoring any updates closely and will inform you of any changes. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for our patients if stricter regulations are enforced.

1. I already have an order in place. Will this affect my current supply?

No, if you already have an order confirmed, it will be processed and dispatched as usual. Any changes in regulations will not impact current orders.

1. When should I place my next order?

We recommend placing your next order as usual, following your current dosing schedule. If any changes arise, we will communicate them directly with you, so you’re informed in advance.

1. How quickly will I receive my order?

Our current processing and delivery times remain unaffected. Once your prescription is approved, orders are dispatched within our standard timeframe to ensure you receive your medication without delay on your selected delivery dates.

1. What if stricter regulations affect future orders?

If the GPhC enforces stricter measures, we will update our procedures accordingly. Rest assured, we will guide you through any changes to ensure you continue receiving safe and compliant care.

WHAT OUSHK MAY DO GOING FORWARD

To stay ahead of any potential changes and maintain a seamless experience, we are considering some process updates:

• Video Consultations: While video consultations take up time, we may require each patient to have at least one as part of their care plan. This will be gradually implemented to ensure compliance without overwhelming anyone.

• Mandatory Image Uploads: For now we may make it necessary for you to upload full body images that include you holding a piece of paper with the current date written on it. This will again be required every 3 months.

• Scales Verification: We may ask for images of your weight on scales with the current date and your name visible.

These changes will be introduced gradually. My biggest request is to please be open-minded and patient as we adjust. Let’s work together as a team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

I understand that filling out questionnaires and uploading images can feel frustrating, but if we all get in the habit of taking the required images every 3 months, we won’t face any issues with ongoing changes for now.

If you have any questions, please leave comments on here and not send us emails about this. We are always here to support you and I promise that we will keep you updated through out this.

Does that make sense, you have interpreted “review and make changes at earliest opportunity” to mean implement immediately. Thay is not what it means, it means literally what it says, review and make changes when you first can, these things take time. Not just changing digital platforms but staff recruitment, new processes , training etc.

tney have been given time to do it. They have in no way said implement with immediate effect.

To be fair oushk do video consultations don’t they? So likely less affected.

My first order (ever) from Medexpress has been sat as ‘awaiting dispatch’ for a few days now. Hope it’s not held up because of this. I had been so excited to start but really disheartened now. I will really struggle to get a GP appointment for this if needed.

Of course they can't change their websites and processes immediately, it will clearly take time to implement. But pharmacies from now will need to show that they are progressing towards the changed guidance if inspected.

It'll be the private clinics who will have to arrange someone to see you F2F, probably a local private healthcare professional. I'm a GP and we've calculated that treating all of our patients with a BMI >35 would take around a quarter of our appointments, that's not going to happen, and govt want to faze it in slowly anyway.

Exactly and they need to get gp’s on board too, as they also are busy. This isn’t an overnight thing.

It was this "Apparently none of this is an official requirement yet. The GPhC have not issued new requirements to their members." from another poster that I was responding to. The GPhC definitely have issued new guidance that is a requirement for pharmacies.

To be fair oushk do video consultations don’t they? So likely less affected.

I think they do sometimes - but they've been optional and/or I'm not sure what triggers them.

I've never had one, for example, and I've been with them for about 6 months now.

Ah ok, I thought it was their thing.

Guidance. Not regulations/requirements.

Many pharmacies will already be doing these things and won't need to change. Others may need to tweak things, for example requiring a photo of the scales AND a full length body photo AND ID rather than just one or two of them.

It is likely that pharmacies who don't inform GPs and don't require photos or videos will need to make changes to avoid difficulties.

I'd have thought the 'genuinely obese' people are the only 1s who will still be able to access the jabs, as it should be! This had been far too long coming and left too much room tor abuse. Just look at the state of Katie Price.

Well, yes it's guidelines. But pharmacies must follow that guidance or fail their inspections and face sanctions. So it's not optional or nice to have.

No, but ‘as soon as possible’ means they have time to implement the new practices. Nothing is going to change today.

Of course it can't change today, I am not suggesting that things will change immediately, they can't. It takes time to update websites and processes, but from today pharmacies must show they are working towards it. And it's not optional.

I’m dismayed at the new “checks”. I had to provide photos and passport ID and complete questionnaire. I think that’s enough.

I don’t want my GP informed or consulted - I should have that right - so may have to consider going to a Private Doctor which I can’t afford.

My subscription went through this morning just like normal so nothing has changed in the immediate and you should be able to refill just fine. I’m expecting comms from my prescriber about it this month though. I’m happy to jump the hoops because I’m eligible and have the buy-in of my GP and a consultant. I don’t want to see these drugs be used for self harm. I am worried that there will be further price hikes though.