Ethics

I had an experience working as an assistant pharmacist locum in a pharmacy back in China. One day, a pregnant woman came to the pharmacy and asked to purchase an over-the-counter drug, dispersible Aspirin 75mg tablets for herself. She told me that her doctor advises her to take them and it could be obtained cheaply from any pharmacy. Because purchasing Aspirin does not require prescription, the lady did not bring any prescription or consent from her doctor. However, dispersible aspirin is not licensed for use during pregnancy. The pharmacist supplying it would be expected to be satisfied regarding patient safety. As no prescription had been issued, a pharmacist or an assistant pharmacist who is the dispenser would probably find it difficult to prove there was a shared responsibility if anything goes wrong with the lady and her baby. Evidence on use of aspirin in pregnancy is confusing so my concerns were justified without further information. I refuse to sell the Aspirin to her for her own use. Although in my thoughts, I can simply sell it to her in order to increase the sales. I was in the dilemma between following the customer’s needs, the concern of her health safety and also the commercial interest.

The lady was visibly upset at my refusal and would not accept my reason that i was concerned for her safety and her baby. At the time she leaves the pharmacy, she said that it is her right to buy and use any over-the-counter drugs. She added that I am legally and professionally responsible for the supply of all medicinal products in the pharmacy. And if i feel it is inappropriate to supply the product, i should not make the supply or sell the product. I was surprised and thought that there is something true with what she said. Lastly, I called her and explain to her that I can supply the drug if she brings any letter from her doctor saying that she has to take Aspirin while she is pregnant. However, after that day, the pregnant lady did not come back to the...