Describe how to dispose of out of date and part used medications in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

Legal and organisational procedures for disposing out of date and part used medication are to follow disposal procedures of suppliers. We usually dispose out of date, unwanted and part used medication with main medication supplier (such as Boots, Lloyds and other chemist). The following way we can dispose out of date and part used medications –

·         Fill out the MAR (medication administration record) chart with appropriate letter code (such as E- Refused and Destroyed, R- Returned, G- Explain own reason, whichever supplier has provided)

·         If medication is boxed and labelled, then leave it in disposal tray or box as it is.

·         If the medication we intend to dispose is from supplier’s blister pack or MDS box, then we should put it in a small sealed envelope with the medication name and strength on it.

·         Keep record of date and quantity are returned

·         Record name of the patient and reason for disposal

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe how to report any immediate problems with the administration

In any unfortunate event when mistake or error occurs, we have to ensure that the person is safe at first. If there is any reason to call the emergency service, then we have to do that first. If there is no need for emergency service to be called, then we have to contact GP for advice and instruction. We have to record instruction in person’s care plan including Doctors or health professionals name, date and time. We also have to inform and apologise to the individual and their families and any action taken to eliminate present and future risks. We  must fill out incidence  form and report to the registered manager immediately.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the appropriate timing of medication e.g check that the individual has not taken any medication recently

Exact time for the medication can be found on medication administration record chart (MAR). MAR chart has to be signed with appropriate code after administering medication. If medication has already been administered then we will find the MAR chart signed. We can also check the blister pack or MDS to find out whether it has been administered or not. We can also talk to the colleague to find out whether they have administered it on time or not. We can also check with the individual as last resort if they have got mental capacity and not suffering from any mental illness.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Identify the required information from prescriptions/medications administration charts

The following information we require from prescriptions or medication administration charts–

·         Patient’s photograph (Only on MAR chart)

·         Patient’s name

·         Patient’s date of birth

·         Patient’s address

·         Medication’s name

·         Medication’s strength

·         Medication’s dose

·         Medication’s time or interval

·         Medication’s route

·         Allergy advice

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe the common adverse reactions to medication, how each can be recognised and the appropriate actions required

Most of the medications have some common adverse reactions. Those are described here in below-

·         An individual may suffer from severe allergic reaction or skin rashes

·         An individual may suffer from diarrhoea or constipation

·         An individual may feel nausea or sick

·         An individual may suffer from vomiting

This symptoms can be recognised by observing an individual's reaction after taking specific medication. In the event of any adverse reactions, we should contact the prescriber immediately for advice. 

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar