THE UNIVERSITY OF
**WESTERN**
**AUSTRALIA**
DENT 3005:Introduction to
Pharmacology
**Ethics and legalities**
Dr Thuy Linh Truong
thuy.truong@uwa.edu.au
![]()
A slide for a presentation on Pharmacology, Ethics, and Legalities with pill imagery.
# **DENT 3005: Introduction to Pharmacology**
## **Ethics and legalities**
**Dr Thuy Linh Truong**
thuy.truong@uwa.edu.au
# Acknowledgement
of country
The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/8QG9sW6.png" alt="Abstract artwork with black lines and circles on a beige background."> </img>
Artist: Dr Richard Barry Walley OAM
**THE UNIVERSITY OF**
**WESTERN**
**AUSTRALIA**
# **Acknowledgement of country**
The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.
**Artist:** Dr Richard Barry Walley OAM
**DENT3005: assessment breakdown**
| Assessment # | Assessment Task | Weight % | Assessment Period/ date | Module assessed | Waiver |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| 1 | SAQ | 50% | 30/09/25 9AM – 11AM | General Medicine and Pharmacology: all lectures content | No |
| 2 | MCQ | 50% | Main Campus: Semester 2 examination period | General Medicine and Pharmacology: all lectures content | No |
# **DENT3005: assessment breakdown**
| Assessment # | Assessment Task | Weight % | Assessment Period/ date | Module assessed | Waiver |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| 1 | SAQ | 50% | 30/09/25 9AM – 11AM | General Medicine and Pharmacology: all lectures content | No |
| 2 | MCQ | 50% | Main Campus: Semester 2 examination period | General Medicine and Pharmacology: all lectures content | No |
2025 BMD2 SEMESTER 2 TIMETABLE - Final
|Week|Date|Day|Start|Finish|Activ|Venue|Unit C|Unit Title|Module|Topic|Lecturer|Module Coordinator|Unit Co-ordr|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Week 27**|**2-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**9:00**|**12:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Medical history and extraoral exam, Cardiology; Respiratory medicine**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 27**|**2-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Gastrointestinal tract; Renal Medicine, Liver Disease**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 28**|**9-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Introduction to pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 29**|**16-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**QE2P: [G16] Mary Lockett LT**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Introduction to Toxicology, Ethics and Legalities, Infectious Disease in the Dental Setting**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**22-Jul-25**|**Tuesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**211 VLC**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Neurology, Haematology**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Cardiovascular Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Respiratory Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Gastrointestinal Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Renal Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Hormones Drugs, Dermatological Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**P**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Practical 1 - Medical history**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**P**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Practical 2 - Drug history**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**8-Aug-25**|**Friday**|**13:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Infectious diseases**|**A/Prof Omar Kujan**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 33**|**11-Aug-25**|**Monday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Endocrinology I & II**|**Dr Janina Christoforou**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 33**|**13-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Endocrine Drugs (I, II, III)**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 34**|**20-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Neurological & Psychotropic Medications**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Anaesthesia in the dental setting**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Pain Control**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Complementary Medicines, Special Populations**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**8-Sep-25**|**Monday**|**15:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Rheumatology, Immunology**|**Dr Janina Christoforou**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**9-Sep-25**|**Tuesday**|**8:00**|**9:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine/Pharmacology**|**Emergency Medicine and practical**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**9:00**|**12:00**|**P**|**211 VLC**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine/Pharmacology**|**Emergency Medicine and practical**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Immunomodulators, Anti-inflammatories**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Haematology Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 38**|**17-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 38**|**17-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective II, Vaccines**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 39**|**24-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Oncology**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 39**|**24-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Oral Oncology (Head and Neck)**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 40**|**30-Sep-25**|**Tuesday**|**8:00**|**12:00**|**A**|**HACKH: [G09] Fay Gale Studio**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**In-semester assessment - SAQ**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 41**|**10-Oct-25**|**Friday**|**16:00**|**18:00**|**A**|**206 CSSL**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|<table><tr><td>**General Medicine/Pharmacology**</td></tr></table>|<table><tr><td>**Rheumatology**</td><td>**Dr Magdalen Foo**</td><td>**Dr Magdalen Foo**</td></tr></table>|
# **2025 BMD2 SEMESTER 2 TIMETABLE - Final**
|Week|Date|Day|Start|Finish|Activ|Venue|Unit C|Unit Title|Module|Topic|Lecturer|Module Coordinator|Unit Co-ordr|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Week 27**|**2-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**9:00**|**12:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Medical history and extraoral exam, Cardiology; Respiratory medicine**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 27**|**2-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Gastrointestinal tract; Renal Medicine, Liver Disease**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 28**|**9-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Introduction to pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 29**|**16-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**QE2P: [G16] Mary Lockett LT**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Introduction to Toxicology, Ethics and Legalities, Infectious Disease in the Dental Setting**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**22-Jul-25**|**Tuesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**211 VLC**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Neurology, Haematology**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Cardiovascular Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Respiratory Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Gastrointestinal Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 30**|**23-Jul-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Renal Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Hormones Drugs, Dermatological Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**P**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Practical 1 - Medical history**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**6-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**P**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Practical 2 - Drug history**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 32**|**8-Aug-25**|**Friday**|**13:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Infectious diseases**|**A/Prof Omar Kujan**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 33**|**11-Aug-25**|**Monday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Endocrinology I & II**|**Dr Janina Christoforou**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 33**|**13-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Endocrine Drugs (I, II, III)**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 34**|**20-Aug-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Neurological & Psychotropic Medications**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Anaesthesia in the dental setting**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Pain Control**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 36**|**3-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Complementary Medicines, Special Populations**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**8-Sep-25**|**Monday**|**15:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Rheumatology, Immunology**|**Dr Janina Christoforou**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**9-Sep-25**|**Tuesday**|**8:00**|**9:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine/Pharmacology**|**Emergency Medicine and practical**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**9:00**|**12:00**|**P**|**211 VLC**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine/Pharmacology**|**Emergency Medicine and practical**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**15:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Immunomodulators, Anti-inflammatories**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**15:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Haematology Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 37**|**10-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**16:00**|**17:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 38**|**17-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective Drugs**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 38**|**17-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**Pharmacology**|**Antinfective II, Vaccines**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 39**|**24-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**13:00**|**14:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Oncology**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 39**|**24-Sep-25**|**Wednesday**|**14:00**|**16:00**|**L**|**G15 KKG Sutherland**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**General Medicine**|**Oral Oncology (Head and Neck)**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 40**|**30-Sep-25**|**Tuesday**|**8:00**|**12:00**|**A**|**HACKH: [G09] Fay Gale Studio**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|**In-semester assessment - SAQ**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Magdalen Foo**|**Dr Linh Truong**|
|**Week 41**|**10-Oct-25**|**Friday**|**16:00**|**18:00**|**A**|**206 CSSL**|**DENT3005**|**General Medicine and Pharmacology**|<table><tr><td>**General Medicine/Pharmacology**</td></tr></table>|<table><tr><td>**Rheumatology**</td><td>**Dr Magdalen Foo**</td><td>**Dr Magdalen Foo**</td></tr></table>|
**Learning Outcomes**
**Learning objectives**
1) Understand the ethic principles guiding
prescription
2) Understand QUM and its importance
3) Understand Australian scheduling for drugs
4) Understand legal requirements for
prescription writing
5) Understand the PBS
6) Understand potential abuse for prescriptions
7) Applied knowledge to clinical scenarios
Six cartoon images of pills fighting bacteria.
# **Learning Outcomes**
## **Learning objectives**
1) Understand the ethic principles guiding prescription
2) Understand QUM and its importance
3) Understand Australian scheduling for drugs
4) Understand legal requirements for prescription writing
5) Understand the PBS
6) Understand potential abuse for prescriptions
7) Applied knowledge to clinical scenarios
Six cartoon images of pills fighting bacteria.
**Ethical principles**
**Core ethical principles**
1) Beneficence
2) Non-maleficence
3) Autonomy
4) Justice
5) Professional integrity and accountability
6) Evidence based practice
7) Transparency and conflict of interest
# **Ethical principles**
## **Core ethical principles**
1) Beneficence
2) Non-maleficence
3) Autonomy
4) Justice
5) Professional integrity and accountability
6) Evidence based practice
7) Transparency and conflict of interest
**Quality use of medicines**
* **Definition:** the use of medicines safely, effectively and wisely
* **Key Aims**
* Select the most appropriate medicine
* Use medicines safely and effectively
* Minimise misuse and overuse
* **Importance**
* Promotes better health outcomes
* Reduces adverse drug reactions
* Supports cost-effective healthcare
* Encourages shared decision-making between consumers and health
professionals
# **Quality use of medicines**
- **Definition:** the use of medicines safely, effectively and wisely
- **Key Aims**
- Select the most appropriate medicine
- Use medicines safely and effectively
- Minimise misuse and overuse
- **Importance**
- Promotes better health outcomes
- Reduces adverse drug reactions
- Supports cost-effective healthcare
- Encourages shared decision-making between consumers and health professionals
# The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
**Australian government program**
* Provides subsidized prescription medicines
* Available to all Australian residents with a Medicare card
* Reduces the cost of many essential medications
* Patients pay a set co-payment; government covers the rest
* Helps ensure access to affordable medications
* Includes a wide range of approved drugs
* Safety Net available for high medicine users
* Managed by the Department of Health and Aged Care
# **The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)**
## **Australian government program**
- Provides subsidized prescription medicines
- Available to all Australian residents with a Medicare card
- Reduces the cost of many essential medications
- Patients pay a set co-payment; government covers the rest
- Helps ensure access to affordable medications
- Includes a wide range of approved drugs
- Safety Net available for high medicine users
- Managed by the Department of Health and Aged Care
# AMOXICILLIN
Source General Schedule
Body System ANTINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE > ANTIBTRACTERALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE > BETA-LACTAM ANTIBATERIALS, PENCILLINS
| Code & Prescriber | Medicinal Product Pack (Name, form & strength and pack size) | Max qty packs | Max qty units | No. of repeats | DPMQ | Max Safety Net | General Patient Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3300Q | **AMOXICILLIN** | 1 | 20 | 0 | $16.17 | $17.62 | $21.07 |
| | amoxicillin 500 mg capsule, 20 (PI, CMI) | | | | | | |
| | **Available brands** | | | | | | |
| | **® AMILOXYN** | | | | | | |
| | **® AMOXICILLIN-WGR** | | | | | | |
| | **® APO-Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **® Alphamox 500** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxycillin Sandoz** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxycillin generichealth 500** | | | | | | |
| | **® Blooms The Chemist Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **® Cilamox** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxil** | 1 | 20 | 0 | $20.84 | $17.62 | $25.74 |
| | **ⓠ Additional charge for this brand is $4.67** | | | | | | |
LEGEND **ⓠ Brand premium applies** **® Brand equivalent a** **Ⓓ Dentist** **Ⓜ Medical Practitioner** **Ⓦ Midwife** **Ⓝ Nurse Practitioner**
# **AMOXICILLIN**
**Source:** General Schedule
**Body System:** ANTINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE > ANTIBTRACTERALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE > BETA-LACTAM ANTIBATERIALS, PENCILLINS
| Code & Prescriber | Medicinal Product Pack (Name, form & strength and pack size) | Max qty packs | Max qty units | No. of repeats | DPMQ | Max Safety Net | General Patient Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3300Q | **AMOXICILLIN** | 1 | 20 | 0 | $16.17 | $17.62 | $21.07 |
| | amoxicillin 500 mg capsule, 20 (PI, CMI) | | | | | | |
| | **Available brands** | | | | | | |
| | **® AMILOXYN** | | | | | | |
| | **® AMOXICILLIN-WGR** | | | | | | |
| | **® APO-Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **® Alphamox 500** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxycillin Sandoz** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxycillin generichealth 500** | | | | | | |
| | **® Blooms The Chemist Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **® Cilamox** | | | | | | |
| | **® Amoxil** | 1 | 20 | 0 | $20.84 | $17.62 | $25.74 |
| | **ⓠ Additional charge for this brand is $4.67** | | | | | | |
**LEGEND:** **ⓠ Brand premium applies** **® Brand equivalent a** **Ⓓ Dentist** **Ⓜ Medical Practitioner** **Ⓦ Midwife** **Ⓝ Nurse Practitioner**
Clinical criteria:
* Patient must be a male with acute cystitis; OR
* Patient must have pyelonephritis; OR
* Patient must have a tooth avulsion; OR
* Patient must have salmonella enteritis; OR
* Patient must have community acquired pneumonia; OR
* Patient must have a condition requiring prolonged oral antibiotic therapy.
| Code & Prescriber | Medicinal Product Pack (Name, form & strength and pack size) | Max qty packs | Max qty units | No. of repeats | DPMQ | Max Safety Net | General Patient Charge |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 11947T **MP NP** | **AMOXICILLIN** amoxicillin 500 mg capsule, 20 (**PI**, **CMI**) | 2 | 40 | 0 | $18.89 | $20.34 | $23.79 |
| | **Available brands** | | | | | | |
| | **AMILOXYN** | | | | | | |
| | **AMOXICILLIN-WGR** | | | | | | |
| | **APO-Amoxycillin** | | | | | | |
| | **Alpharnox 500** | | | | | | |
| | **Amoxycillin Sandoz** | | | | | | |
| | **Amoxycillin generichealth 500** | | | | | | |
| | **Blooms The Chemist Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **Cilamox** | | | | | | |
## **Clinical criteria:**
- Patient must be a male with acute cystitis; OR
- Patient must have pyelonephritis; OR
- Patient must have a tooth avulsion; OR
- Patient must have salmonella enteritis; OR
- Patient must have community acquired pneumonia; OR
- Patient must have a condition requiring prolonged oral antibiotic therapy.
| Code & Prescriber | Medicinal Product Pack (Name, form & strength and pack size) | Max qty packs | Max qty units | No. of repeats | DPMQ | Max Safety Net | General Patient Charge |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 11947T **MP NP** | **AMOXICILLIN** amoxicillin 500 mg capsule, 20 (**PI**, **CMI**) | 2 | 40 | 0 | $18.89 | $20.34 | $23.79 |
| | **Available brands** | | | | | | |
| | **AMILOXYN** | | | | | | |
| | **AMOXICILLIN-WGR** | | | | | | |
| | **APO-Amoxycillin** | | | | | | |
| | **Alpharnox 500** | | | | | | |
| | **Amoxycillin Sandoz** | | | | | | |
| | **Amoxycillin generichealth 500** | | | | | | |
| | **Blooms The Chemist Amoxicillin** | | | | | | |
| | **Cilamox** | | | | | | |
**The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)**
Under the PBS medicines are categorized based on how they are prescribed and accessed
1) **Unrestricted** – These medicines can be prescribed without any specific conditions or restrictions
2) **Restricted** – These can only be prescribed for specific conditions listed on the PBS. The prescriber must ensure the patient meets the criteria
3) **Authority Required** – These require prior approval (authority) from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs before prescribing, often for high-cost or specialized medications
# **The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)**
Under the PBS medicines are categorized based on how they are prescribed and accessed
1) **Unrestricted** – These medicines can be prescribed without any specific conditions or restrictions
2) **Restricted** – These can only be prescribed for specific conditions listed on the PBS. The prescriber must ensure the patient meets the criteria
3) **Authority Required** – These require prior approval (authority) from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs before prescribing, often for high-cost or specialized medications
**Australian drug scheduling**
* National classification system
* Controls how medicines and chemicals are made available to the public
* Medicines and chemicals are classified into Schedules according to...
* Level of regulatory control over the availability of the medicine
* Chemical required to protect public health and safety
* The schedules are published by the Poisons Standards: SUSMP
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Schedule</th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>S1</td>
<td>Not currently in use</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S2</td>
<td>Pharmacy medicine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S3</td>
<td>Pharmacist only medicine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S4</td>
<td>Prescription Only Medicine OR Prescription Animal Remedy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S5</td>
<td>Caution</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S6</td>
<td>Poison</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S7</td>
<td>Dangerous Poison</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S8</td>
<td>Controlled Drug</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S9</td>
<td>Prohibited substance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S10</td>
<td>Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
# **Australian drug scheduling**
- National classification system
- Controls how medicines and chemicals are made available to the public
- Medicines and chemicals are classified into Schedules according to...
- Level of regulatory control over the availability of the medicine
- Chemical required to protect public health and safety
- The schedules are published by the Poisons Standards: SUSMP
| Schedule | |
| :--- | :--- |
| S1 | Not currently in use |
| S2 | Pharmacy medicine |
| S3 | Pharmacist only medicine |
| S4 | Prescription Only Medicine OR Prescription Animal Remedy |
| S5 | Caution |
| S6 | Poison |
| S7 | Dangerous Poison |
| S8 | Controlled Drug |
| S9 | Prohibited substance |
| S10 | Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use |
## A valid prescription
Prescriptions must include all of the following:
- Name, prescriber number, practice details
- Name of patient
- Medicine name, strength and formulation
- A many items can fit on one script provided it is legible
- Precise directions for use (dosage and frequency)
- Where a script has >1 item, ea. will need its own directions
- Quantity to be dispensed
- Number of repeats permitted (if any)
- Date the prescription was issued
- Signature of the prescriber
| Prescriber full name | |
|---|---|
| Prescriber qualifications | |
| Practice name | |
| Practice address | |
| Prescriber number | |
| Provider ID (if applicable) | |
| Phone number | |
| Patient's Medicare no. | | Patient's Tel no. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient's full name | | | |
| Patient's address | | Postcode | |
| Pharmaceutical benefits entitlement no. | | | |
| PBS Safety Net entitlement cardholder | $\square$ | Concessional or dependant RBPS beneficiary or PBS Safety Net concession cardholder | $\square$ |
| (tick appropriate boxes) | | | |
| PBS | $\square$ | RPBS | $\square$ | Brand substitution not permitted | $\square$ |
<p>Pharmacist/patient copy</p>
| Presc. refers on removal | Date | / | / |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentist's signature | | For dental treatment only | |
| I declare that I have received the above medicinle(s) and any entitlement to a pharmaceutical benefit is correct. | Patient's or agent's signature | Date of supply | / | / |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR87.2008 | Agent's address | | Prescription is valid for 12 months |
## **A valid prescription**
Prescriptions must include all of the following:
- Name, prescriber number, practice details
- Name of patient
- Medicine name, strength and formulation
- A many items can fit on one script provided it is legible
- Precise directions for use (dosage and frequency)
- Where a script has >1 item, ea. will need its own directions
- Quantity to be dispensed
- Number of repeats permitted (if any)
- Date the prescription was issued
- Signature of the prescriber
<table>
<tr>
<td>Prescriber full name</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prescriber qualifications</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Practice name</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Practice address</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prescriber number</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Provider ID (if applicable)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phone number</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table>
<tr>
<td>Patient's Medicare no.</td>
<td></td>
<td>Patient's Tel no.</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient's full name</td>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient's address</td>
<td></td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pharmaceutical benefits entitlement no.</td>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PBS Safety Net entitlement cardholder</td>
<td>$\square$</td>
<td colspan="2">Concessional or dependant RBPS beneficiary or PBS Safety Net concession cardholder $\square$</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>(tick appropriate boxes)</td>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PBS $\square$</td>
<td>RPBS $\square$</td>
<td colspan="2">Brand substitution not permitted $\square$</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>Pharmacist/patient copy</p>
<table>
<tr>
<td>Presc. refers on removal</td>
<td>Date</td>
<td>/</td>
<td>/</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dentist's signature</td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="2">For dental treatment only</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table>
<tr>
<td>I declare that I have received the above medicinle(s) and any entitlement to a pharmaceutical benefit is correct.</td>
<td>Patient's or agent's signature</td>
<td>Date of supply</td>
<td>/ /</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HR87.2008</td>
<td>Agent's address</td>
<td colspan="2">Prescription is valid for 12 months</td>
</tr>
</table>
**Schedule 8 medications**
DEFINITION: *Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence*
**A valid S8 prescription must include**
* Full name and address of prescriber
* Date prescription written
* Full name, address and DOB of patient
* Name, description and quantity of medicine to be prescribed
* Only one type of S8 is allowed on a script
* BUT 2 items are allowed if it is the <ins>same medication</ins> but in <ins>different formulation</ins>
* Precise directions for use
* Number of repeats (if any) and intervals at which they may be dispensed
* Signature of the prescriber
# **Schedule 8 medications**
**DEFINITION:** *Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence*
## **A valid S8 prescription must include**
- Full name and address of prescriber
- Date prescription written
- Full name, address and DOB of patient
- Name, description and quantity of medicine to be prescribed
- Only one type of S8 is allowed on a script
- BUT 2 items are allowed if it is the <ins>same medication</ins> but in <ins>different formulation</ins>
- Precise directions for use
- Number of repeats (if any) and intervals at which they may be dispensed
- Signature of the prescriber
<table>
<tr>
<th>Field</th>
<th>Left Panel (S4)</th>
<th>Right Panel (S8)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s Medicare</td>
<td colspan="2">pharmacist can fill this</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s name</td>
<td colspan="2">Jane Bubbletea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s address</td>
<td>not a legality requirement but best practice to add</td>
<td>required</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DOB</td>
<td>not a legality</td>
<td>Must have</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td colspan="2">xx</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td colspan="2">only if known, important for ABS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RX 1</td>
<td>
PARACETAMOL 500MG QTY 20 tabs<br>
1G every 4-6 hours MAX 4G/24hrs<br>
no rpts
</td>
<td>
Oxycodone 5mg qty 10 CAPS or TABS – must have formulation for S8<br>
5mg every 4-6 hours prn (&lt;3 days)<br>
no rpts
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RX 2</td>
<td>
IBUPROFEN 400MG QTY 20 TABS<br>
400mg every 6-8 hours (&lt;5 days)<br>
no rpts
</td>
<td>—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SIGNATURE</td>
<td colspan="2">yours and not the patient’s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Date Validity</td>
<td>all s4 valid for 1 year</td>
<td>s8 only valid 6mo from rx date</td>
</tr>
</table>
# **S4 vs S8 Prescription Comparison**
<table>
<tr>
<th>Field</th>
<th>Left Panel (S4)</th>
<th>Right Panel (S8)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s Medicare</td>
<td colspan="2">pharmacist can fill this</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s name</td>
<td colspan="2">Jane Bubbletea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patient’s address</td>
<td>not a legality requirement but best practice to add</td>
<td>required</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DOB</td>
<td>not a legality</td>
<td>Must have</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td colspan="2">xx</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td colspan="2">only if known, important for ABS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RX 1</td>
<td>
PARACETAMOL 500MG QTY 20 tabs<br>
1G every 4-6 hours MAX 4G/24hrs<br>
no rpts
</td>
<td>
Oxycodone 5mg qty 10 CAPS or TABS – must have formulation for S8<br>
5mg every 4-6 hours prn (&lt;3 days)<br>
no rpts
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RX 2</td>
<td>
IBUPROFEN 400MG QTY 20 TABS<br>
400mg every 6-8 hours (&lt;5 days)<br>
no rpts
</td>
<td>—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SIGNATURE</td>
<td colspan="2">yours and not the patient’s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Date Validity</td>
<td>all s4 valid for 1 year</td>
<td>s8 only valid 6mo from rx date</td>
</tr>
</table>
# Tips and tricks
**General considerations**
1) Write legibly (or type it ☺)
2) Use generic names
3) Include all validity points (patient name, drug, dosing etc)
4) Avoid non-standardised abbreviations
5) Avoid trailing zeros and always use leading zeros
**Clinical considerations**
1) Consider dose calculation: age, weight, renal function etc
2) Remember the 5 Rights: patient, drug, dose, route, time
3) Check interactions and allergies! – is it true allergy or ADR?
# **Tips and tricks**
## **General considerations**
1) Write legibly (or type it ☺)
2) Use generic names
3) Include all validity points (patient name, drug, dosing etc)
4) Avoid non-standardised abbreviations
5) Avoid trailing zeros and always use leading zeros
## **Clinical considerations**
1) Consider dose calculation: age, weight, renal function etc
2) Remember the 5 Rights: patient, drug, dose, route, time
3) Check interactions and allergies! – is it true allergy or ADR?
Tips and tricks
Legalities considerations
1) Itemise prescription and cross out blank areas under last item to prevent patients adding on additional medications
2) For controlled medications: adhere to state regulations, limit qty and avoid repeats
3) Record prescription by documenting in patient's clinical notes
# **Tips and tricks**
## **Legalities considerations**
1) Itemise prescription and cross out blank areas under last item to prevent patients adding on additional medications
2) For controlled medications: adhere to state regulations, limit qty and avoid repeats
3) Record prescription by documenting in patient's clinical notes
Drug abuse
- **Opioids**
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Panadeine forte
- Fentanyl
- **Benzodiazepines**
- Diazepam
- Temazepam
- Lorazepam
- Alprazolam
- Patient unaware of addictive properties
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Addiction
A person with a bottle of pills and a glass of alcohol.
# **Drug abuse**
- **Opioids**
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Panadeine forte
- Fentanyl
- **Benzodiazepines**
- Diazepam
- Temazepam
- Lorazepam
- Alprazolam
- Patient unaware of addictive properties
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Addiction
A person with a bottle of pills and a glass of alcohol.
**Prescription addiction**
- **Patient selection**
- Medical history
- Safe Script
- Red flags
- Requesting additional scripts
- Lost scripts, moved house...
- **Naloxone**
- Temporarily reverse effect of opioid overdose
- Aust. Gov offering free of charge
- No rx required
<img/>
# **Prescription addiction**
- **Patient selection**
- Medical history
- Safe Script
- Red flags
- Requesting additional scripts
- Lost scripts, moved house...
- **Naloxone**
- Temporarily reverse effect of opioid overdose
- Aust. Gov offering free of charge
- No rx required
# Prescription scenarios
**Scenario 1: post-operative pain management after tooth extraction**
**Patient:** Mr Ohcwa DMD, 40yo
**Procedure:** surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar
**Concern:** anticipated moderate post-op pain
**Clinical notes**
* Patient underwent extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar
* Procedure was uneventful, but due to the deep impaction and bone removal, moderate post-op pain is expected
* No contraindications to NSAIDs
* Codeine allergy
**Rx 1: Ibuprofen 400mg qty 30tabs**
400mg every 6-8 hourly as required
Repeats: 0
**Rx 2: Paracetamol 500mg qty 20 tabs**
1G every 4-6 hourly as required, max 4G or paracetamol in any 24 hours
Repeats: 0
# **Prescription scenarios**
## **Scenario 1: post-operative pain management after tooth extraction**
- **Patient:** Mr Ohcwa DMD, 40yo
- **Procedure:** surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar
- **Concern:** anticipated moderate post-op pain
- **Clinical notes**
- Patient underwent extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar
- Procedure was uneventful, but due to the deep impaction and bone removal, moderate post-op pain is expected
- No contraindications to NSAIDs
- Codeine allergy
### **Prescriptions**
- **Rx 1: Ibuprofen 400mg qty 30tabs**
- 400mg every 6-8 hourly as required
- Repeats: 0
- **Rx 2: Paracetamol 500mg qty 20 tabs**
- 1G every 4-6 hourly as required, max 4G or paracetamol in any 24 hours
- Repeats: 0
**Prescription scenarios**
Scenario 2: same patient is back!
•**Name**: Mr Ohcwa DMD, 40yo
•**Medical History**: generally fit and well, no history of
substance abuse. Allergic to codeine
•**Procedure**: surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth
(all four), under IV sedation.
•**Post-operative complications**: significant swelling,
trismus, and severe pain unresponsive to paracetamol
and NSAIDs
•**S8 justification**: given patient’s severe post-op pain and
allergy to codeine, a short course of oxycodone is
indicated
•**Follow up plan**: review and reassess pain control and
healing, transition patient back to non-opioid analgesic
asap, if pain persist investigate for infection or dry socket
*Rx 1:*
# **Prescription scenarios**
## **Scenario 2: same patient is back!**
- **Name**: Mr Ohcwa DMD, 40yo
- **Medical History**: generally fit and well, no history of substance abuse. Allergic to codeine
- **Procedure**: surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth (all four), under IV sedation.
- **Post-operative complications**: significant swelling, trismus, and severe pain unresponsive to paracetamol and NSAIDs
- **S8 justification**: given patient’s severe post-op pain and allergy to codeine, a short course of oxycodone is indicated
- **Follow up plan**: review and reassess pain control and healing, transition patient back to non-opioid analgesic asap, if pain persist investigate for infection or dry socket
*Rx 1:*
References
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Scheduling basics of medicines and chemicals in
Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration. [cited 2025 Apr 17]. Available
from: https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/ingredients-and-scheduling-medicines-
and-chemicals/scheduling-basics-medicines-and-chemicals-Australia
- Western Australian Department of Health. Requirements for prescriptions in Western
Australia. Available from: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/a_e/dispensing-
prescriptions/requirements-for-prescriptions-in-wa
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS) | Home. Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
- Ritter JM, Flower RJ, Henderson G, Loke YK, MacEwan D, Robinson E, editors. Rang &
*Dale's pharmacology*. 10th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2023
- Oral and Dental Expert Group. *Therapeutic Guidelines Oral and Dental (Version 3).*
Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd:2019
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Quality use of medicines
[Internet]. Sydney: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care; 2025
[cited 2025 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-
work/medication-safety/quality-use-medicines
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists. 2017. Available
from: https://www.psa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PSA-Code-of-Ethics-
2017.pdf
![]()
Image of a woman with a cold and scattered pills, and separately an image of three pill bottles.
# **References**
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Scheduling basics of medicines and chemicals in Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration. [cited 2025 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/ingredients-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/scheduling-basics-medicines-and-chemicals-Australia
- Western Australian Department of Health. Requirements for prescriptions in Western Australia. Available from: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/a_e/dispensing-prescriptions/requirements-for-prescriptions-in-wa
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | Home. Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home
- Ritter JM, Flower RJ, Henderson G, Loke YK, MacEwan D, Robinson E, editors. Rang & *Dale's pharmacology*. 10th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2023
- Oral and Dental Expert Group. *Therapeutic Guidelines Oral and Dental (Version 3).* Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd:2019
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Quality use of medicines [Internet]. Sydney: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care; 2025 [cited 2025 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/medication-safety/quality-use-medicines
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists. 2017. Available from: https://www.psa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PSA-Code-of-Ethics-2017.pdf
**Case 1: prescribing opioids for post-extraction pain**
Scenario: Dr Pain has just performed a surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth on a patient known to have a history of substance abuse. The patient requests a prescription for **oxycodone** for pain relief. Dr Pain knows that non-opioid analgesics could suffice but worries about causing pain if under-prescribing. The patient insists, citing severe pain last time.
**Discussion points**
# **Case Studies**
## **Case 1: prescribing opioids for post-extraction pain**
**Scenario:** Dr Pain has just performed a surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth on a patient known to have a history of substance abuse. The patient requests a prescription for **oxycodone** for pain relief. Dr Pain knows that non-opioid analgesics could suffice but worries about causing pain if under-prescribing. The patient insists, citing severe pain last time.
**Discussion points**
**Case 2: writing a prescription for
benzodiazepines to anxious dental patients**
**Scenario:** a patient scheduled for a complex dental procedure expresses severe dental anxiety. The dentist considers prescribing diazepam to help manage anxiety during treatment. The patient requests a larger quantity than typically prescribed, explaining they want to “use some at home” for relaxation.
**Discussion points**
## **Case 2: writing a prescription for benzodiazepines to anxious dental patients**
**Scenario:** a patient scheduled for a complex dental procedure expresses severe dental anxiety. The dentist considers prescribing diazepam to help manage anxiety during treatment. The patient requests a larger quantity than typically prescribed, explaining they want to “use some at home” for relaxation.
**Discussion points**
**Case 3: managing a prescription request from a “doctor shopper”**
Scenario: during routine history taking, Dr. Smith suspects a patient may be
“doctor shopping” — seeking multiple prescriptions for opioids or sedatives
from different providers. The patient asks Dr. Smith to write a prescription for
codeine despite having received several similar prescriptions recently from
other practitioners.
**Discussion points**
## **Case 3: managing a prescription request from a “doctor shopper”**
**Scenario:** during routine history taking, Dr. Smith suspects a patient may be “doctor shopping” — seeking multiple prescriptions for opioids or sedatives from different providers. The patient asks Dr. Smith to write a prescription for codeine despite having received several similar prescriptions recently from other practitioners.
**Discussion points**
**Case 4: a dental colleague requests an oxycodone prescription**
**Scenario:** a dental colleague approaches you and asks if you can prescribe oxycodone for their personal use. They mention they have severe dental pain but have not yet seen a medical professional. They say it will be a one-time request and promise to seek medical care soon.
**Discussion points**
* prescribing?
## **Case 4: a dental colleague requests an oxycodone prescription**
**Scenario:** a dental colleague approaches you and asks if you can prescribe oxycodone for their personal use. They mention they have severe dental pain but have not yet seen a medical professional. They say it will be a one-time request and promise to seek medical care soon.
**Discussion points**
- prescribing?
Example of a legal script – S4
Name: Dr Dee Em Dee
Address: 17 Monash Dr
Tel: work phone
PBS prescribing number
########
Patient's Medicare: pharmacist can fill
this
Patient's name: Jane Bubbletea
Patient's address: not a legality
requirement but best practice to add
DOB: **not a legality** Age: xx
Weight: only if known, important for ABS
RX
1) PARACETAMOL 500MG QTY 20 tabs
1G every4-6hours MAX 4G/24HOURS
no rpts
2) IBUPROFEN 400MG QTY 20 TABS
400mg every6-8hours ($\leq$5days)
no rpts
SIGNATURE: yours and not the patient's
Date: **all s4 valid for 1 year**
For Dental Use Only
# **Example of a legal script – S4**
- **Name:** Dr Dee Em Dee
- **Address:** 17 Monash Dr
- **Tel:** work phone
- **PBS prescribing number:** ########
- **Patient's Medicare:** pharmacist can fill this
- **Patient's name:** Jane Bubbletea
- **Patient's address:** not a legality requirement but best practice to add
- **DOB:** **not a legality**
- **Age:** xx
- **Weight:** only if known, important for ABS
### **RX**
1) **PARACETAMOL 500MG QTY 20 tabs**
- 1G every 4-6 hours MAX 4G/24HOURS
- no rpts
2) **IBUPROFEN 400MG QTY 20 TABS**
- 400mg every 6-8 hours ($\leq$5days)
- no rpts
- **SIGNATURE:** yours and not the patient's
- **Date:** **all s4 valid for 1 year**
- For Dental Use Only
Name: Dr Dee Em Dee
Address: 17 Monash Dr
Tel: work phone
PBS prescribing number
########
**Patient’s Medicare**: pharmacist can fill this
**Patient’s name**: *Jane Bubbletea*
**Patient’s address**: required
**DOB**: **Must have**
**Age**: xx
**Weight**: only if known, important for ABS
**RX**
1) Oxycodone 5mg qty 10 **CAPS or TABS – must have formulation for S8**
5mg every 4–6 hours prn (≤3 days)
no rpts
**SIGNATURE**: yours and not the patient’s
**Date**: **s8 only valid 6mo from rx date**
*For Dental Use Only*
# **Example of a legal script – S8**
- **Name:** Dr Dee Em Dee
- **Address:** 17 Monash Dr
- **Tel:** work phone
- **PBS prescribing number:** ########
- **Patient’s Medicare:** pharmacist can fill this
- **Patient’s name:** *Jane Bubbletea*
- **Patient’s address:** required
- **DOB:** **Must have**
- **Age:** xx
- **Weight:** only if known, important for ABS
### **RX**
1) **Oxycodone 5mg qty 10 CAPS or TABS – must have formulation for S8**
- 5mg every 4–6 hours prn (≤3 days)
- no rpts
- **SIGNATURE:** yours and not the patient’s
- **Date:** **s8 only valid 6mo from rx date**
- *For Dental Use Only*
# Prescribing S8 medications
- Only **one S8 medicine** (and no other medicine) can be written per prescription page.
- A second S8 may be included if it is the **same drug in a different form** i.e. oxycodone SR and IR.
- If an unusual dose is prescribed this must be **<u>underlined</u>** and initialled to confirm it is the intended dose.
- If a **verbal order** is made the prescriber must send a written prescription within 24 hours to the pharmacy
# Schedule 8 medicine
DEFINITION: Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
# **Prescribing S8 medications**
- Only **one S8 medicine** (and no other medicine) can be written per prescription page.
- A second S8 may be included if it is the **same drug in a different form** i.e. oxycodone SR and IR.
- If an unusual dose is prescribed this must be **<u>underlined</u>** and initialled to confirm it is the intended dose.
- If a **verbal order** is made the prescriber must send a written prescription within 24 hours to the pharmacy
## **Schedule 8 medicine**
**DEFINITION:** Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
**Prescribing S8 medications**
S8 prescriptions are valid for **six months**.
Authorisation from the CEO of Health is required for:
- Patients notified as addicts
- Prescription period longer than **60 days in any 12 month period**
- Flunitrazepam prescribing. HDWA number is to be endorsed by the prescriber on every prescription for flunitrazepam.
The purpose of authorisation is to:
- Support doctors in the appropriate use of S8 medicines
- Minimise drug dependence
- Reduce abuse and diversion.
**Schedule 8 medicine**
DEFINITION: Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
# **Prescribing S8 medications**
## **Validity and Authorization**
S8 prescriptions are valid for **six months**.
Authorisation from the CEO of Health is required for:
- Patients notified as addicts
- Prescription period longer than **60 days in any 12 month period**
- Flunitrazepam prescribing. HDWA number is to be endorsed by the prescriber on every prescription for flunitrazepam.
The purpose of authorisation is to:
- Support doctors in the appropriate use of S8 medicines
- Minimise drug dependence
- Reduce abuse and diversion.
## **Schedule 8 medicine**
**DEFINITION:** Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
**Prescribing S8 medications**
- **Self prescribing of S8 medicines is illegal.**
- Prescribing S8 medications for immediate family is $\text{strongly discouraged}$.
- If a medical practitioner has concerns about a new/existing patient they are encouraged to check the prescription history of the patient:
- **PSB**: 9222 4424 available 8.30am to 4.30pm M-F
- **Medicare Australia Medicines Information Line** for information on doctor shoppers on 1800 631 181.
**Schedule 8 medicine**
DEFINITION: Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
# **Prescribing S8 medications**
## **Prescribing Regulations**
- **Self prescribing of S8 medicines is illegal.**
- Prescribing S8 medications for immediate family is $\text{strongly discouraged}$.
- If a medical practitioner has concerns about a new/existing patient they are encouraged to check the prescription history of the patient:
- **PSB:** 9222 4424 available 8.30am to 4.30pm M-F
- **Medicare Australia Medicines Information Line** for information on doctor shoppers on 1800 631 181.
## **Schedule 8 medicine**
**DEFINITION:** Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
**Prescribing S8 medications**
**Interstate scripts**
* Your Rx may not be valid elsewhere in Aust
* But WA do accept interstate provided they meet the S8 requirements
**Advise patients:**
* Any repeats of prescriptions dispensed in WA are required to be retained at the pharmacy, who dispensed the original prescription, for repeat dispensing.
* Should they relocate, an application can be made to the pharmacists to transfer the prescription to another pharmacy.
**Schedule 8 medicine**
DEFINITION: Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
# **Prescribing S8 medications**
## **Interstate scripts**
- Your Rx may not be valid elsewhere in Aust
- But WA do accept interstate provided they meet the S8 requirements
## **Advise patients:**
- Any repeats of prescriptions dispensed in WA are required to be retained at the pharmacy, who dispensed the original prescription, for repeat dispensing.
- Should they relocate, an application can be made to the pharmacists to transfer the prescription to another pharmacy.
## **Schedule 8 medicine**
**DEFINITION:** Substances which may be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
**Some examples S8 Medicines**
| Generic name | Form | Brand names |
|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam | Tablets (IR) | Kalma |
| | | Xanax |
| | | Alprax |
| | | Ralozam |
| Buprenorphine | Patch (SR) | Norspan |
| | Sublingual tablet (IR) | Temgesic |
| | Tablet (IR) \* | Subutex |
| **Codeine** | **Tablet (IR)** | **Codeine phosphate** |
| | **Liquid (IR)** | **Actacode** |
| Fentanyl | Patch (IR) | Durogesic |
| Flunitrazepam | Tablet (IR) | Hypnodorm |
| Hydromorphone | Liquid (IR) | Dilaudid |
| | Tablet (MR) | Jurnista |
| Ketamine | Lozenges (oral) | Ketamine |
| | Intramuscular (IR) | Ketalar |
| Methadone | Tablet (IR) | Physeptone |
| | Suppositories | Proladone |
| | Liquid (IR) \* | Methadone |
# **Some examples S8 Medicines**
| Generic name | Form | Brand names |
|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam | Tablets (IR) | Kalma |
| | | Xanax |
| | | Alprax |
| | | Ralozam |
| Buprenorphine | Patch (SR) | Norspan |
| | Sublingual tablet (IR) | Temgesic |
| | Tablet (IR) \* | Subutex |
| **Codeine** | **Tablet (IR)** | **Codeine phosphate** |
| | **Liquid (IR)** | **Actacode** |
| Fentanyl | Patch (IR) | Durogesic |
| Flunitrazepam | Tablet (IR) | Hypnodorm |
| Hydromorphone | Liquid (IR) | Dilaudid |
| | Tablet (MR) | Jurnista |
| Ketamine | Lozenges (oral) | Ketamine |
| | Intramuscular (IR) | Ketalar |
| Methadone | Tablet (IR) | Physeptone |
| | Suppositories | Proladone |
| | Liquid (IR) \* | Methadone |
Some examples S8 Medicines
| Generic name | Form | Brand names |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Morphine | Tablet (IR) | Anamorph |
| | Epidural injection (MR) | Depo-Dur |
| | Tablet (CR) | Kapanol |
| | Tablet (SR) | Momex |
| | Tablet (CR) | MS Contin |
| | Tablet (CR) | MS Mono |
| | Liquid (IR) | Ordine |
| | Tablet (IR) | Sevredol |
| **Oxycodone** | **Tablet (IR)** | **Endone** |
| | **Tablet (MR)** | **OxyContin** |
| | **Capsule (IR)** | **OxyNorm** |
| | **Liquid (IR)** | **OxyNorm elixir** |
| Oxycodone/naloxone | Tablets (PR) | Targin |
| Pethidine | Injection (IR) | Pethidine |
# **Some examples S8 Medicines**
| Generic name | Form | Brand names |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Morphine | Tablet (IR) | Anamorph |
| | Epidural injection (MR) | Depo-Dur |
| | Tablet (CR) | Kapanol |
| | Tablet (SR) | Momex |
| | Tablet (CR) | MS Contin |
| | Tablet (CR) | MS Mono |
| | Liquid (IR) | Ordine |
| | Tablet (IR) | Sevredol |
| **Oxycodone** | **Tablet (IR)** | **Endone** |
| | **Tablet (MR)** | **OxyContin** |
| | **Capsule (IR)** | **OxyNorm** |
| | **Liquid (IR)** | **OxyNorm elixir** |
| Oxycodone/naloxone | Tablets (PR) | Targin |
| Pethidine | Injection (IR) | Pethidine |
[[L5 Ethics and legalities 2025.pdf#page=1|L5 Ethics and legalities 2025, p.1]]
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