Pharmaceutical Legislation and Ethics Flashcards

What is the primary legislation governing pharmacy practice in Dubai?

Answer: DHA Health Regulation including Federal Law No. 4 of 1983 on pharmaceutical professions and DHA regulations

Pharmacy practice in Dubai is governed by the DHA under Federal Law No. 4 of 1983 concerning pharmaceutical professions, supplemented by DHA-specific regulations on licensing, dispensing, and controlled substances.

What classification system does the DHA use for controlled medications in Dubai?

Answer: Schedule-based classification (narcotic, psychotropic, controlled, semi-controlled) aligned with UAE federal schedules

DHA classifies controlled medications into schedules including narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled medications, and semi-controlled medications, aligned with UAE federal law and international conventions.

What are the DHA requirements for pharmacist-patient counseling?

Answer: Mandatory counseling on medication use, side effects, interactions, storage, and adherence at every dispensing encounter

DHA mandates that pharmacists provide patient counseling at every dispensing encounter covering proper use, potential side effects, drug interactions, storage requirements, and adherence strategies.

What is the DHA regulation on prescription validity periods?

Answer: Standard prescriptions are valid for a specific period (typically 30 days), with shorter validity for controlled substances

DHA regulations specify validity periods for prescriptions: standard prescriptions typically valid for 30 days, while controlled substance prescriptions have shorter validity periods to prevent misuse.

What is the DHA policy on medication substitution by pharmacists?

Answer: Generic substitution is permitted unless the prescriber specifies 'no substitution,' with patient consent required

DHA allows pharmacists to substitute prescribed medications with bioequivalent generics unless the prescriber explicitly indicates no substitution, provided the patient is informed and consents to the change.

What mandatory reporting obligations do DHA-licensed pharmacists have?

Answer: Report adverse drug reactions, medication errors, counterfeit drugs, and suspected substance abuse to DHA

DHA requires pharmacists to report adverse drug reactions through the pharmacovigilance system, medication errors, suspected counterfeit products, and suspected substance abuse or prescription fraud.