Filipino pharmacists took to social media to clarify the difference between prescription and over-the-counter drugs, following a viral Facebook video of a customer trying to buy Rx-labeled medication without prescription.
The now-deleted original video has reached various medical professionals who raised concerns on the uploader’s aggression—as well as the unchecked pharmaceutical practices that led to this situation.
@nursetoto Sir @arshielife paki educate po ang mga customers nato 😒 the audacity to take a video when they are not really educated when it comes to Rx (prescription) #pharmacist #fyp #viral #trending #ctto ♬ original sound – Nurse Toto🙏❤️
According to Republic Act No. 10918 or the Philippine Pharmacy Act, household remedies for common physical ailments and over-the-counter medicines for symptomatic relief of minor ailments can both be dispensed without a prescription.
However, prescription or ethical medicines can only be dispensed by a pharmacist to a patient upon presenting a prescription from a physician, dentist, or veterinarian.
Article IV, Sec. 33 of the act reiterates that prescription medicines may only be dispensed with a valid prescription.
Violation of any provision in the act, is subject to revocation or suspension of the Certificate of Registration of a licensed pharmacist, or the cancellation of temporary permit of a foreign pharmacy, as stated in Article VI, Sec. 44.
Sa Pharmacy tinuruan kami pag may RX ang drug label automatic it needs a prescription from the physician before dispensing it. SOP yan, wala nang tanung-tanong. In this video from Joan DV Alcudia tama yung Pharmacist, pinahamak lang nung nag video yung staff sa other drugstore. pic.twitter.com/UxCy7haRU7
— @pauloinmanila and 99 others (@pauloMDtweets) April 22, 2024
In the the deleted viral video, the uploader tried to prove a point by name-dropping a pharmacy that sold the disputed drug without prescription. An X (formerly Twitter) user called out this malpractice.
@restythenurse Replying to @ARMYMIMI we need to regulate maintenance medications #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #pharmacology #pharmacist ♬ original sound – Resty | Nursing ✅
As the issue was talked about by local healthcare workers, they also discussed whether maintenance drugs should still require prescription or not.
While it is not convenient to do so, a registered nurse content creator discussed how regulating maintenance medication is important to keep patients in check, as dosage and brand may change after follow-up check-ups.
Meanwhile, others sympathized with the pharmacist who was “unnecessarily” exposed on social media.
In jest, a medical technologist content creator advised medical professionals to put in effort in presenting themselves in public in case a customer or patient tries to film them as well.
“At least ready tayo,” she said.
@missmedtechtoker Sending hugs to sir Pharmacist #medtechlife #medtechstudent #medtechusa #healthcareworkerph #trendingvideo ♬ original sound – Missmedtechtoker
“Sending hugs to Sir Pharmacist,” she wrote in the caption.