Dosing

We must receive written prescriptions for OST medicines at least one day before the due date to supply, so that we have time to prepare the documentation and dispensing plan.

In some situations, it may be acceptable to fax through the prescription. As well, the client/tangata whai ora may be given the prescription to take to the pharmacy themselves. 

Please Note: Only the prescribing doctor can make changes to scripts, that is, an altered dose, extra doses or changes to the pharmacy used for dispensing the prescription.

Doses that are to be consumed at a pharmacy must be swallowed in front of the pharmacist or pharmacy technician to minimise the risk of diversion. Care should be taken to minimise the possibility of takeaway doses of methadone (any dose that is not consumed under observation) being sold, used against medical advice (for example, ‘doubling up’ or injecting) or used by others.

Take Away Doses

Takeaway doses (takeaways) are any doses of OST medicine that are not consumed under our observation.

Daily pharmacy attendance is time consuming, and can interfere with other aspects of a client’s life. Flexibility in dispensing arrangements can improve quality of life and independence.

Takeaway doses can contribute to clients:

• finding and retaining employment
• fulfilling family responsibilities
• being able to travel for work and leisure
• improving their sense of self-esteem and progress in treatment

Special Circumstances for Takeaway Doses

It is uncommon for a client to be prescribed takeaway doses early in their treatment. However, takeaway doses can be provided for specific short periods in response to circumstances such as a family crisis, a course of study away from home, planned holidays, unusual employment requirements (such as working out of town or attending conferences or training courses) and when there is a legitimate illness that prevents a client/tangata whai ora presenting at a pharmacy.