The following document provides interim guidance on dealing with FMD alerts that appear in pharmacy FMD systems. It is the second version of the guidance, which contains updated FMD alert wording which will start to appear in FMD systems from Sunday 17th March 2019:

Interim guidance on dealing with FMD alerts (version 2 6/3/19) (New)

The flowchart below looks at the handling of alert messages and is intended to inform wider discussions on implementing FMD, including amending SOPs.

It links with other guidance on the assessment of suspect packs once an alert has been raised and professional guidance on ethical decision making related to FMD.

Scanning and error messages flowchart

Scanning and error messages flowchart (version with comments removed)

Guidance notes (to accompany alerts chart)

NOTE: The above chart is a working document and will be updated in light of feedback and experience. It represents current thinking on these issues at this point. Comments and feedback are encouraged.

“Right and wrong” scanning guidance

The below presentation is intended for FMD early adopters, to help train pharmacy teams to recognise the types of packs that will need scanning for verification and decommissioning, and the features they need to look out for, as well as the types of pack that will not need authentication.

Packs that do not need authentication include the vast majority of existing stock that does not carry the necessary safety features (both a 2D data matrix barcode and an anti-tampering device) – this stock can continue to be dispensed as normal. Products that are out-of-scope for FMD are also highlighted in the presentation; these include non-prescription medicines, medical devices and specialist food supplements.

FMD presentation (3) Guide on which packs to scan (PowerPoint)

FMD presentation (3) Guide on which packs to scan (PDF)

The guidance will be updated with new examples of the “right” and “wrong” types as the early adopter programme is extended.