Pharmacist Suspended for Misconduct Involving Codeine Linctus

In a recent GPhC Fitness to Practise determination, a pharmacist was found to have engaged in misconduct by removing bottles of codeine linctus from two pharmacies without making payment. The incidents occurred on consecutive days in October 2020 while the pharmacist was working as a locum. Despite the registrant’s claims of having paid for the items, the committee found the evidence insufficient to support this assertion.

The allegations centered on the registrant’s actions at Tuebrook Pharmacy and Upton Rocks Pharmacy, where he removed a total of eight bottles of codeine linctus without payment. The committee found that the registrant’s conduct breached GPhC standards, specifically those related to leadership and accountability.

The GPhC determined that the registrant’s fitness to practise was impaired due to misconduct. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the pharmacy profession and the need for pharmacists to adhere to professional standards. As a result, the registrant was suspended for four months, with a review to assess his insight and remediation efforts.

The case highlights the critical role of pharmacists in demonstrating leadership and accountability, particularly when handling medications. Pharmacy professionals are reminded of the importance of following proper procedures and ensuring transparency in their actions to maintain trust and uphold the integrity of the profession.