The necessity of off label prescribing
Tracks
1
| Sunday, August 4, 2024 |
| 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM |
| Pyrmont Theatre |
| Sponsored By: |
Details
Off-label prescribing occurs when a medicine is used for a purpose other than its approved purpose as described in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Off-label use is legal and permitted under certain clinically appropriate circumstances. It may occur more frequently when specialist prescribers are involved in the health care of the patient or within vulnerable patient groups who may not be included in clinical trials—for example, in palliative care and pregnant women. Off-label use may be appropriate if supported by high-quality evidence, or consensus opinion based on extensive experience. However, off label prescribing is associated with a range of safety and ethical concerns.
During this session, we will explore the role of pharmacists to ensure the safety of off-label medicines use and the practical considerations associated with off label prescribing. We will discuss some very practical examples and how to ensure you meet your patient’s clinical needs whilst minimising any risk to themselves or your professional practice.
Learning objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe common challenges associated with off-label prescribing.
2. Discuss practical strategies to enable off-label prescribing to occur effectively.
3. Outline the role of practice alerts in off-label prescribing.
Competency standards: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6
Speakers
Peter Guthrey
Senior Pharmacist - Strategic Policy
PSA
The necessity of off label prescribing
Biography
Peter Guthrey holds the position of Senior Pharmacist, Strategic Policy at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Peter supports policy development, advocacy activities, regulatory submissions and practice advice. Peter has driven key PSA policy work, including Pharmacists in 2023, medicine safety agenda and Australian Pharmacist.
Peter has over 16 years’ experience in pharmacy policy, regulation, advocacy, communications & media, quality management and community pharmacy practice.
Peter maintains practice as a community pharmacist, working in an after-hours role at Melbourne’s Ascot Vale Pharmacy, where he is a pharmacist vaccinator.
Dr Simone Henriksen
Professional Officer
PDL
The necessity of off label prescribing
Biography
Simone is a Professional Officer with PDL. Simone is a community pharmacist with over 30 years’ experience. Simone has previously owned and operated several pharmacies in regional Queensland and Brisbane. Simone also holds a Bachelor of Laws and was awarded a PhD in Law in 2023. Simone has also been lecturing in law at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Simone’s research interests include quality use of medicines, health practitioner regulation and the governance of health services in Australia.
