Pharmacy Council gives Guidance on Supplying Natural Health Products

The Pharmacy Council has removed a controversial change from its revised code of ethics that would have made it ethical for pharmacists to promote products not backed up by evidence of efficacy. However, based on a new appendix added to the code, it will still be ethical for pharmacists to supply these products - so long as they inform the customer of the lack of scientific evidence and give them enough information to make an informed choice.

The code of ethics is the overarching guide to the behaviour of pharmacists and in 2015 the Pharmacy Council began a review of the code. At the time, it suggested a change which attracted controversy, namely altering clause 6.9 point of the code, which relates to pharmacists promoting complimentary medicines.

The clause originally read:

"Pharmacists must only purchase, supply or promote any medicine, complementary therapy, herbal remedy or other healthcare product where there is no reason to doubt its quality or safety and when there is credible evidence of efficacy."

Under the proposed change this was to be split into two parts, so that:

"Pharmacists must only supply or promote any medicine or herbal remedy where there is no reason to doubt its quality or safety and when there is credible evidence of efficacy."
"Pharmacists must only supply any complementary therapy or other healthcare product where there is no reason to doubt its quality or safety and when sufficient information about the product can be provided in order for the purchaser to make an informed choice with regard to the risks and benefits of all the available treatment options."

This change attracted criticism from doctors, with New Zealand Medical Association GP Council chair Kate Baddock saying she was very concerned and disappointed by the suggestion. The New Zealand Skeptics Society also awarded the Council their 2015 wooden spoon award for showing "the most egregious gullibility or lack of critical thinking on a science-related issue".

Following the criticism, the code was again reviewed and there is no sign of the proposed change to clause 6.9 in the revised code which was released for consultation on Monday. The new code now devotes an entire appendix to best practice for pharmacists supplying complementary and alternative medicines.

Pharmacy Council chair Mark Bedford says the initial revised code attracted a lot of feedback. "It became abundantly clear that actually we probably hadn't got it right, so we decided to look at the code in its entirety," Mr Bedford says.

Because the natural products space is about to undergo legislative changes, such as the upcoming Natural Health and Supplementary Products Bill, Mr Bedford says the Council wants a code of ethics with longevity that is based on principles. This means when the legislation around natural health products does change, the Council will be able to modify the guidance statement for pharmacists while maintaining the principles in the code of ethics.

"We want to avoid a knee-jerk reaction, "Mr Bedford says.

According to the code's guidance statement, pharmacists should be able to counsel patients about the quality, general use, the current state of evidence and any safety issues regarding the products. The Pharmacy Council does not oppose their use, so long as the patient can make an informed choice.

The code requires pharmacists selling or supplying complimentary medicines to only recommend a product where they are satisfied of its safety, quality and effectiveness

Mr Bedford says a number of key stakeholders, including the NZMA, have been notified of the updated code and he is looking forward to the feedback and resulting robust discussions. NZMA chair Kate Baddock says she cannot comment as the NZMA is currently seeking feedback on the code from its members.

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact enquiries@pharmacycouncil.org.nz

Source: www.pharmacytoday.co.nz/news/2017/july-2017/20/pharmacy-council-gives-guidance-on-supplying-natural-health-products.aspx, viewed 26 July 2017