Customers are asking community pharmacists for more advice on the safety of over-the-counter analgesics, since legislation limiting the pack size of these products was introduced a year ago, according to research carried out by Smithkline Beecham and presented at the Conference.
Speaking at a press briefing on September 13, Mrs Helen Leighton, MRPharmS, (director, OTC medicines, Smithkline Beecham Consumer Healthcare) said that the research highlighted the unique advisory role of the pharmacist. A survey of 208 community pharmacists found that, in the majority of cases, the pharmacist's recommendations for aspirin and paracetamol preparations were unaffected by the pack size changes but requests for information relating to the safety of the products had increased by between 25 and 45 per cent.
When customers were told that they could no longer purchase 100-tablet packs, 49 per cent criticised the pharmacist, 72 per cent criticised the manufacturer and 90 per cent criticised the Government.
SB also announced plans to sponsor a community pharmacy of the year award, details of which will be advertised shortly. The award is for pharmacy teams which deliver service "above and beyond the call of duty".