Don't let a UTI slow you down

For treatment of a UTI in a pharmacy you must be:

• female (or have female biology)
• aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
• displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI, which may include:
• burning or stinging (hurts) when you urinate, or a
• frequent or urgent need to urinate
• pain around the bladder area (in the lower part of the tummy, below the belly button)

If you need support in your language, tell your pharmacist you need an interpreter.

UTIs do not discriminate based on age or gender, however it is important to recognise that UTI assessment and treatments can differ for those aged under 18 and above the age of 65.  In these cases, it is clinically recommended that management from a GP is sought.  The Tasmanian pharmacy prescribing program is following national guidelines which have been adopted in all States and Territories who are participating in the program.

Information about participating pharmacies is available on the Department of Health Website. You may also consider phoning your local pharmacy in advance to enquire if they offer the service. They will be able to guide you to alternative care providers if they do not offer the service. 

Your pharmacist may need to refer you to your doctor (GP) or another health care professional to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time. In an emergency, the pharmacist may also refer you to the Emergency Department.

Pharmacist participation in the pilot is voluntary. Therefore, not all pharmacists will be providing advice or treatment. Pharmacists must also complete the appropriate training before they can provide this service. Outside the pilot, pharmacists can provide advice on pain relief options for UTIs and appropriate referral if needed.

Pharmacists who are participating in the pilot have had additional training to supply medication for UTIs. Participating pharmacists will be provided with guidance and protocols as to who is able to receive treatment and who must be referred to their doctor (GP) or an Emergency Department.

Pharmacist prescribing for some conditions could lead to earlier treatment and may assist in reducing symptoms and distress, it is also important to ensure that any risks for individuals and the population are balanced by the benefits. There are currently trials and pilots being conducted in other parts of Australia.

The Pilot will run for 12 months. Towards the end of the pilot, a report will be prepared for the Department of Health and the Tasmanian Government to consider ongoing access to the service.

Your pharmacist will provide you with a participant information sheet as part of your consultation.  You can raise concerns directly with the pharmacy. If you are unhappy with their response or you feel it is inappropriate to contact the pharmacy directly, you can report to AHPRA or the Tasmanian Health Complaints Commissioner. 

To receive treatment from the pharmacist you will need to provide your name, date of birth, contact details and doctor (GP) name, if you have one.

You will also need to give your consent to be part of the pilot and to get a voluntary follow-up survey from the Department of Health around seven days after your consultation with the pharmacist.

In any report about the pilot, information will be presented so you cannot be identified. 

The information you provide will be kept securely by your pharmacist and the Department of Health.

There will be a cost for any medication recommended to you. Your pharmacist will provide you information about potential costs prior to your assessment.