FDA extends use of ‘electronic’ prescriptions

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to extend the use of “electronic” prescriptions for medicines until next year, regardless of the quarantine status due to COVID-19.

In FDA Advisory No. 2020-037, FDA director general Eric Domingo said the use of electronic or digital prescription is supposed to end on Dec. 31 but the agency decided to extend this up to Sept. 12, 2021, “regardless of the level of the imposed quarantine restrictions” due to the pandemic.

“Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the health and safety of vulnerable individuals, it is imperative that the guidelines implementing the use of electronic prescriptions be maintained to ensure continuous access of said individuals to prescription medicines and maintenance drugs,” he said.

On March 17, the FDA issued Circular No. 2020-007 allowing the dispensation of drugs to “senior citizens, persons with disability and patients with chronic illness or those with immunocompromised conditions” by licensed doctors.

The digital prescription can be sent through electronic mail or email and other alternative means to ensure “access to prescription medicines and maintenance drugs for all individuals vulnerable to COVID-19.”

Not covered by the circular are prescriptions that require a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency S-2 license for dangerous drug preparations or dangerous drugs containing controlled chemicals.