Dermatology series
Starting from 31 Mar 2016, a number of topical corticosteroids and acne preparations were granted exemptions for limited sale and supply by pharmacists without prescription by HSA. These drugs include
1) Topical betamethasone valerate and diproprionate as a single agent not exceeding 0.1%
2) Topical mometasone furoate as a single agent not exceeding 0.1%
3) Topical triamcinolone as a single agent not exceeding 0.1%
4) Topical adapalene not exceeding 0.1%
5) Topical clindamycin not exceeding 1%
6) Topical erythromycin not exceeding 4%
For more information on the exemptions, please refer to the HSA Reclassified Medicines webpage. http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/hsa/en/Health_Products_Regulation/Western_...
To enhance pharmacists’ knowledge on these medications since they can now be dispensed without a prescription subject to certain conditions, the PSS Continuing Professional Education Committee, along with the Community Chapter planned 2 continuing education sessions on appropriate dispensing of topical corticosteroids and anti-acne topicals for our pharmacists. Dr. Derrick Aw Chen Wee, a senior consultant and head of the dermatology division at the National University Hospital Singapore was invited to speak at these CE sessions. The sessions held on 23rd and 30th Jun, were well received by pharmacists (approximately 100 pharmacists attended each session).
Appropriate Dispensing of Topical Corticosteroids on 23 Jun 2016
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| Dr Aw addressing the audience | (Left to Right) Ms Chung Wing Lam (moderator of CE session for 30 Jun), Dr Aw and Ms Ng Hui Yi (moderator for 23 Jun). |
During the first session, Dr Aw shared the importance of recognizing the potency of the various steroidal preparations, the various factors that should be taken into consideration when prescribing a topical corticosteroid for a patient, as well as some case studies on when patients should be referred to a physician. It was a light-hearted and insightful session.
Appropriate Dispensing of Anti-Acne Topicals on 30 Jun 2016
During the second session, Dr Aw shared with pharmacists some pointers on how to choose an appropriate anti-acne drug for a patient, and the treatment algorithm according to the South-East Asia Study Alliance (SASA) that was published in 2015. He explained that topical or oral antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy due to development of antibiotic resistance. A recent local study demonstrated that there is increasing resistance to topical clindamycin in Propionibacterium acnes.
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| Dr Aw addressing the audience | Dr Aw using the PSS PIL on adapalene to illustrate the counselling points recommended during dispensing. |
Above: Dr Aw interacting with the audience during the pop quiz segment.
Above: Participants at the educational booth
We would like to thank the PSS Secretariat, PSS Community Chapter and PSS Continuing Professional Education Committee for the coordination of the event, and Dr Aw for taking time off his busy schedule to conduct the two very informative sessions.
We would also like to thank LF Asia and Galderma for sponsoring the gifts for the pop quizzes in the first and second session respectively.
Stay tuned for further PSS CEs throughout the year.
Reported by Ms Ng Hui Yi and Ms Chung Wing Lam
