An Understanding of Legal Implication on Self-Medication - Case Study Example

There was a scenario when unlicensed medicinal products were being disposed of off at the pharmacy for individuals with special needs. These unlicensed medicinal products were dispatched because there was an unavailability of licensed products and the doctors themselves prescribed these alternatives. Thus, as a health practitioner, I needed to communicate the pros and cons of alternatives and unlicensed products to the patients to generate an understanding of the legal implications of prescriptions of the drugs.

The patients were having an XYZ condition which required a medicine that was not readily available in the market. Thus, it was necessary to prescribe an unlicensed medicinal product to cure the condition of the patients. As per the legal and professional policies, Medicinal products are substances that are prescribed by a health practitioner in treating a condition or disease.

These medicines need to be licensed to ensure their safe and healthy practice. As far as legal legislation of medicinal prescription is concerned, it can be said that it is essential to recommend the cost-effective, correct, and safe use of medicines. However, while prescription a physician should have a license and registration to carry out this practice. Three main sources of law have an impact on these prescriptions. Firstly, there are legislative statutes that are established by the government, secondly, there is a concept of common law that is put forward by the courts, and there are administrative agencies that implement changes in rules in prescription practices (Griffin, Posner, & Barker, 2013).

As per the standards of legitimization, it is necessary to assess the medical history of the patient and then give a prescription for the unlicensed product if the doctor agreed and the alternative is safe. It is also necessary to be sure that the patient agrees to take these alternatives provided that the doctor is taking responsibility for his prescriptions. These drugs have to be licensed, and off-label should be discouraged because the manufacturer or the supplier is answerable for the damages occurring due to any issue with the defective product.