A Facebook user is now in hot water after calling out a pharmacy that refused to give her an Rx drug, specifically Irbesartan—a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)—for not presenting a prescription from her doctor.
In her now-deleted viral video, which she captioned, "New Policy daw sa DOH?! Palihug edukaha ko. (New policy of DOH?! Please educate me)," the pharmacist told her that drugs with an "Rx" always require a doctor's prescription.
"For my safety, you said kailangan ng prescription?" the girl asked.
"Rx means prescription," the pharmacist said.
"So I need a prescription for that?" she replied.
The conversation ended when another pharmacist told her that she needed to show the prescription.
We sought insights from Manila Bulletin's own Dr. Rouel Azores to shed light on the issue, as well as on the usage, risks, and differences between prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
What are prescription (Rx) drugs?
Prescription medications undergo rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure their safety and efficacy. They are tightly regulated by government agencies and require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. These drugs are often more potent, have a higher potential for side effects, or require monitoring by a healthcare professional.
Usage and risks
Prescription medications should be used according to the healthcare provider's instructions to minimize risks and maximize benefits. They may have more significant side effects and interactions with other medications.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC medications can be purchased without a prescription and are generally considered safe for use without direct medical supervision. While they are also regulated, they are believed to have a lower risk of adverse effects compared to prescription medications. OTC medications are commonly used for self-diagnosed conditions.
His perspective on the viral video
Dr. Azores stated that pharmacists are not permitted to dispense all prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription. He further added that it is against the law for pharmacies to provide medications that are not deemed necessary.
"Pharmacists are not allowed to dispense all Rx drugs without a prescription. Because if something happens to the patient, who will be liable? And unfortunately, may mga pharmacists na nagbibigay ng gamot kahit hindi kailangan, which is not allowed under the law,” he shared. “But this pharmacist in the viral video actually did their job well.”
Dr. Azores also warned the public that taking Rx medicines without a prescription poses a higher risk of side effects.
"If you dispense these prescription drugs, then you are definitely not a doctor or a medical professional. You don't understand the concept of taking medicine, as even food can have side effects, more so with medications,” he said.
“The problem now, people seeking consultations and requesting medications without prescriptions. While not all pharmacies engage in this practice, there are a few,” Doc Azores shared.