Pharmacy Defence Ltd have warned a spate of fraudulent S8 prescriptions for Durogesic patches have been presented along the east coast of Australia.
There have been several confirmed reports of fraudulent handwritten and computer-generated prescriptions for the Durogesic patches, in varying strengths and quantities, and the prescriptions look legitimate and have handwritten instructions fulfilling all legal requirements for prescriptions written in NSW.
Pharmacies have often been called a short time before the prescription is presented with the caller asking if the product is in stock.
The prescriptions have contact details including a landline telephone number which, when called, may be answered by people impersonating reception staff or a prescriber.
Should you receive a private or non-PBS prescription for Durogesic patches, please ensure you are familiar with the prescriber and/or the patient. Pharmacists should be mindful that pharmacies are often targeted on weekends and after hours when it is more difficult to confirm prescriptions. Other “red flags” may include a prescription marked non-PBS or multiple packs prescribed.
PDL have reminded members to remain vigilant and adhere to State based legislation when dispensing any S8 prescriptions.
Should you wish to confirm a prescription for an unknown prescriber and/or patient, pharmacists are advised to take extreme care to verify the legitimacy of the prescription. It may be prudent to check the AHPRA website for the prescriber’s details and ensure that the telephone number provided is linked to an established practice that relates to the prescriber’s location.
