Quality Honey and Drug Stores

Hello friends, family and faculty!
Today students were able to learn about the duties and responsibilities of the Thai FDA. In Thailand, pharmacists play an active role in consumer protection and stand at the frontlines of measuring quality and safety for food, drugs and cosmetics. We accompanied the team to a the Golden Bee Phatthanakit Bee Farm to gain an understanding about how the company assures quality according to national standards. Following lunch, we visited a drug store where we discussed all of the required and voluntary quality measures pharmacists in these settings comply with.

Marina and Chrissy posing with the giant bee at the honey factory. 

Drugs at the pharmacy can be purchased without a prescription as self service or with permission from the pharmacist (“dangerous drugs”) or with a prescription for certain psychotropic medications. Narcotics can only be obtained from a hospital or clinic. 

Viagra is considered a dangerous drug that requires a prescription from the doctor. However, the pharmacist informed us that foreigners often request this medication without a prescription and she will dispense it to them after she screens for appropriate use and no clinical contraindications. She provides these patients with an informational packet on the drug (like a package insert) and asks for a photocopy if their passport. 

Herbal products are very popular in Thailand. The Thai government encourages their use before trying medications. The pharmacy stocks many of these products and serves as a resource for questions and advice about herbal medications usage. 

Tiffany showed the Thai staff what a prescription bottle in the US looks like and what components are required to be written on the label. 

Miranda practiced her pharmaceutical care behind the counter at the pharmacy. 

Thanks for reading!

Kayla