Pharmacy Technician Consumed 56 Codeine Tablets Daily at Work – GPhC Lifts Suspension After Evidence of Rehabilitation
Date of Decision: February 5, 2019
Registrant's Role: Pharmacy technician
Allegations:
- Removed an unknown quantity of codeine tablets from the pharmacy without authority.
- Removed an unknown quantity of Orlistat tablets without authority.
- Did not have a valid prescription for either medication.
- Consumed some or all of the removed medications.
- Acted dishonestly by knowingly taking medication without permission.
Outcome: Suspension lifted; registrant’s fitness to practise no longer found to be impaired.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
- Standard 2 – Work in partnership with people
- Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
- Standard 4 – Maintain, develop and use your professional knowledge and skills
- Standard 6 – Behave professionally
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
In a deeply concerning case for the pharmacy profession, a pharmacy technician was found to have dishonestly removed and consumed large quantities of medications—namely codeine, a controlled drug, and Orlistat, a prescription-only medicine—while at work. The misconduct occurred over several weeks between June and October 2016. The registrant had no valid prescriptions for either drug and admitted to consuming up to 56 codeine tablets daily while on duty. The allegations were fully admitted by the registrant at the initial hearing, which led to a finding of impaired fitness to practise and the imposition of a 12-month suspension.
Findings
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacy technician
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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The original determination transcript is available to registered users.
- Download the official GPhC determination
- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved