Abstract

Community pharmacists' liability is involved when they dispense off-label prescriptions (OLPs). However, their attitudes to off-label prescribing are little known, while in France off-label baclofen use for alcohol dependence is increasing. To determine community pharmacists' attitudes to off-label prescribing of baclofen. A postal questionnaire was sent to 219 community pharmacies in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, France, previously identified as delivering at least five boxes of oral baclofen monthly. The questionnaire examined whether pharmacists delivered baclofen for alcohol dependence, how pharmacists detected off-label prescribing of baclofen, who were the most frequent prescribers (general practitioners or specialists), and pharmacists' attitudes to OLPs. Eighty pharmacies responded (36.5 %). Detection criteria for OLPs were supra-threshold dose (77.3 %) and "off-label" written on prescription (52.5 %). General practitioners were the most frequent prescribers of off-label baclofen. Pharmacists were more likely to refuse to fill prescriptions not marked "off-label" (6.0 %) than correctly marked prescriptions (1.5 %). 85 % of respondents considered they lacked information on off-label use. Although community pharmacists felt they were poorly informed on off-label baclofen, the majority nevertheless delivered the drug. Since our survey, off-label baclofen prescribing has been strictly controlled in France. Pharmacists' current attitudes will need further evaluation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.