Partial dispensing: part quantities from a medicine pack

Under the framework agreement, a part quantity may only be dispensed on an express medical order, unless the contracting parties agree otherwise. If the doctor has prescribed supply for the individual patient, such as blister packaging, the statutory health insurance fund and the pharmacy must agree on the price. This keeps the billing transparent. For certain medicines there is also a ban on partial dispensing, and only the usual pack size may be dispensed.

A pharmacy may transfer and fill medicines as part of preparation. § 4 and § 13 AMG allow this even without the consent of the manufacturer. The condition is compliance with the labeling rule under § 14 ApBetrO. Medicines with a ban on partial dispensing remain excluded. Topping up an opened pack with a different batch or a different expiry date is not permitted for liability reasons.

For patients, partial dispensing is usually not a problem as long as the labeling is correct. They receive exactly the quantity needed for the treatment. This avoids opened large packs and can save costs. The only important thing is that the active ingredient, dosage and shelf life are clearly visible. If you receive a part quantity of a medicine, you should therefore check that it is correctly labeled with the active ingredient, dosage and expiry date, so that taking it stays safe.